A father and his 10-year-old daughter were swept out to sea by strong currents and winds while at beach outside of Thessaloniki, when a young kitesurfer spotted them in the sea, leading to their dramatic rescue.
A chilling video, which has gone viral on Greek social media, shows the kitesurfer making his rounds when he spots them treading water in the deep sea, and offers them his board to hold only until rescue services can reach them.
The kitesurfer, who has won awards in European kitesurfing competitions, is known as Anastasis Garipis can be heard on the video saying “grab the board so you can float…ok…now we have to find a way to go out.”
Greek national broadcaster ERT confirmed the rescue, which was ultimately completed with the support of a boat by the local hunting association. The hunting association shared a post on facebook, in Greek, that reads:
“The Civil Protection Department of the Epanomi and Surrounding Areas Hunting Association, following information from the Michaniona Port Authority and under their guidance, assisted in the rescue of two individuals (a father and his young daughter) in the ‘Shipwreck’ area of Epanomi.
They were swept away by sea currents as strong winds were blowing in the area. The rescue was carried out using the boat of Hunting Association member Mr. Christos Alexakis. Both individuals are in good health. An EKAV ambulance was present at the scene to provide first aid, along with members of the Association’s Civil Protection team, and two vehicles from the Coast Guard and Police.”
