The families of naval personnel and the Coast Guard have been plunged into grief following the tragic death of 53-year-old coast guard officer Andreas Arachovitis from Paralio Astros Kynouria, who lost his life while trying to protect people and property amid severe storms. According to reports, the 53-year-old coast guard officer was on duty when weather conditions in the area deteriorated rapidly, resulting in him being swept away by raging waves.
The 53-year-old was pulled from the sea a short time later, unconscious. Although doctors fought valiantly to revive him, unfortunately they were unsuccessful.
Tragedy in Paralio Astros: The first victim of the storm that hit the entire country yesterday
The coast guard officer, who leaves behind a 9-year-old child, was the first victim of the storm that struck the entire country yesterday. Hours later, a 56-year-old woman in Ano Glyfada was struck by a car that was swept away by rushing waters, meeting a tragic death.
His funeral will be held on Friday, January 23, at 11:00 AM at the Holy Church of the Presentation of Prastos Saint Andrew. His body will be at the church from 10:00 AM. The Minister of Maritime Affairs and Island Policy, Vasilis Kikilas, and the Chief of the Coast Guard are expected to attend the funeral service.
The tragic incident occurred when Coast Guard personnel were conducting foot patrols at Paralio Astros port, providing assistance due to adverse weather conditions. Strong waves surged over the breakwater, sweeping away two Coast Guard personnel, aged 50 and 53, as well as a private citizen, causing them to fall into the sea.
All three were pulled out with the help of civilians, however the 53-year-old officer was recovered unconscious and his death was confirmed at the Astros Health Center. The civilian was discharged the same day, while the 50-year-old Lieutenant Commander is hospitalized at Tripoli Hospital. A preliminary investigation is being conducted by the 3rd Coast Guard Section of Paralio Astros, while an autopsy and Sworn Administrative Examination have been ordered.
Shocking video of him being swept away
The shocking moment when the 53-year-old coast guard officer was swept away by sea waves was also captured in documentary footage. The footage shows the man tying up a boat when a massive wave exceeds the height of the breakwater and crashes violently onto the people who were at the location. Winds at that moment in Astros were blowing at 9 to 10 on the Beaufort scale.
