Woman rescued alive after nearly 20 hours in the Mediterranean sea near Greece
A major search operation involving the Hellenic Coast Guard, an Air Force helicopter, and commercial vessels successfully located the passenger.
- A 44-year-old passenger went overboard from a cruise ship traveling from Mykonos to Naples.
- She spent nearly 20 hours in the water and was located thanks to a flashing light on her lifebelt.
- She was brought aboard by the Coast Guard and transferred to a hospital in Pyrgos.
This incident highlights the importance of strict safety protocols during marine travel around Greece. If you are planning a cruise or island-hopping trip, keep emergency contacts handy and stay informed through your tour operator regarding any itinerary changes.
Dramatic Rescue in the Ionian Sea
A 44-year-old woman from El Salvador has been rescued alive after spending close to 20 hours in the Mediterranean Sea. The incident began when Greek authorities received notification that a passenger had gone overboard from the Bahamas-flagged cruise ship 'Odyssey of the Seas', operated by Royal Caribbean International.
The vessel was sailing from Mykonos toward Naples when the incident occurred, prompting the ship to turn back and join the search effort. An extensive rescue operation was launched, involving the Hellenic Coast Guard, a Greek Air Force helicopter, and various merchant ships operating in the surrounding waters.
Flashing Lifebelt Light Leads Rescuers
The breakthrough in the search came during the early hours of Saturday, October 10, approximately 70 nautical miles southwest of Zakynthos in the Ionian Sea. A cargo ship participating in the search spotted a flashing light attached to the woman's lifebelt and alerted the authorities.
A Coast Guard rescue vessel quickly reached the location and brought her aboard. She received immediate first aid before being transported to the port of Katakolo in the western Peloponnese, followed by transfer to a hospital in Pyrgos for medical observation.
Investigation and Itinerary Changes
Authorities have stated that the exact circumstances leading to the woman entering the water remain under investigation. Due to the emergency response and search operation, the cruise ship was forced to cancel its scheduled port call in Naples.
