A complex and high-risk recovery operation concluded shortly before 1:30 p.m. Saturday at the Limanakia coastal area of Vouliagmeni, near Athens, as specialized cave divers successfully retrieved the body of a 34-year-old diver from the underwater site known as the “Devil’s Well.”
The effort comes three days after the victim’s body was located at a depth of approximately 30 meters inside a narrow and hazardous underwater passage. Authorities describe the mission as one of the most challenging ever conducted in the area due to the site’s extreme conditions.
A Dangerous Dive Site
The “Devil’s Well” is widely regarded as one of the most treacherous dive locations in the greater Athens region. Powerful underwater currents run through a network of submerged tunnels, creating conditions that test even highly experienced divers.
Officials believe these strong currents played a critical role in the fatal accident, likely pulling the 34-year-old diver into a confined underwater tunnel where he became trapped.
Highly Specialized Operation
Five experienced cave divers are participating in Saturday’s operation, carefully navigating the dangerous passage to reach and recover the body.
To ensure the safety of the team, crews have installed special stakes and metal structures on site to secure descent ropes. The operation requires advanced technical precision and the use of specialized diving equipment designed for extreme underwater environments.
Unlike standard recovery missions, this effort involves multiple stages, including approaching the body, stabilizing it within the confined space, and safely transporting it to the surface using guided rope systems.
Authorities estimate the operation will take at least 90 minutes to complete, depending on underwater conditions.
According to reports, the divers successfully located and brought the body to the surface. It was then transferred by a Hellenic Coast Guard vessel.
Timeline of the Tragedy
The incident began Sunday when the 34-year-old diver and a friend set out to explore the “Devil’s Well.”
During the dive, the survivor reported that strong currents suddenly intensified, dragging the victim away within seconds. The second diver surfaced to call for help.
According to his account, the victim became trapped inside the underwater tunnel, struggling for an extended period to escape the current and return to the surface.
In a desperate attempt to assist, the surviving diver returned to the site and left an additional air tank, hoping his friend could reach it. However, he was unable to get close enough again and could only see the beam of the victim’s flashlight moving in the darkness.
Despite hours of search efforts by the Hellenic Coast Guard, the Underwater Missions Unit, and experienced private cave divers, the body was not located until March 25.
