Μake us preferred on Google The search for a 71-year-old windsurfer from Heraklion, Crete, ended after his body was found at sea nearly three days after he disappeared.
Nikos Chalkiadakis had been missing since Monday, August 31, when he went windsurfing in the Ammoudara area despite unfavorable weather conditions.
Relatives identified his body after bathers found it floating in the sea off Gouves on Thursday afternoon. According to information cited by patris.gr, the family recognized him from the watch and necklace he was wearing.
Chalkiadakis was a well-known businessman in Heraklion and was known for his passion for windsurfing and climbing.
Last seen entering the sea
On the day he disappeared, Chalkiadakis decided to take a long trip on his windsurfing board despite the difficult weather.
His partner, who usually waited for him on the shore, was away traveling at the time. Chalkiadakis therefore went into the sea alone, leaving his burgundy van at the location before entering the water with his windsurfing board.
After authorities were notified, an immediate search operation began in the sea area stretching from Ammoudara to Dia. An aerial asset took part in the operation, while boats carrying athletes searched the surrounding waters.
On Tuesday, September 1, his windsurfing board was found, reducing hopes that he would be located alive.
Body found off Gouves
Almost three days later, on the afternoon of Thursday, September 3, bathers spotted a man’s body floating in the sea in front of the Amirandes hotel in Gouves.
The Hellenic Coast Guard was notified at around 6:30 p.m. Coast Guard personnel approached the location indicated by the bathers.
The body was identified shortly afterward by the man’s relatives.
