Growing concerns after two deaths and five tourists missing in Greece during heatwave

The recent, back-to-back disappearances of tourists on Greek islands have raised serious questions about the conditions that led to these incidents.

Authorities believe Greece's recent heatwave could be a contributing factor, as tourists may not be used to such extreme temperatures. It seems that some individuals ignore the dangers posed by the heat and embark on hikes.

The first case involved the famous British BBC presenter Michael Mosley, who disappeared in Symi and was found dead a few days later. This was followed by the disappearance of an American tourist in Amorgos, still missing on Friday June 14.

In June alone, seven disappearances were reported by Greek police, two of which ended tragically:

• Michael Mosley, 67, BBC presenter: disappeared on June 5 on Symi and found dead on June 9.
• 74-year-old Dutchman: missing since June 9 in Samos – still untraceable.
• Eric Kalibert, 59, from the United States: missing since June 11 in Amorgos – still untraceable.
• 55-year-old man from the United States: missing since June 11 in Corfu from Mathraki – still not found.
• 80-year-old Belgian: Disappeared on June 13 in Crete and found dead the same day.
• Israeli couple: missing from Vytina.

Local authorities and island officials are exploring all possibilities. In the case of the 59-year-old American in Amorgos, criminal activity cannot be ruled out, as Hellenic police spokesperson Konstantia Demoglou said.

“When there is an electronic device, it is easier and faster to locate the person. In some cases it does not help us, like in the case of Amorgos, where this person did not respond to police phone calls from the first moment,” Demoglou said.

“Unfortunately the mobile operators gave us a very large and inaccessible area to search for it. There is vegetation, there are gorges in this particular area. Criminal activity cannot be ruled out until we find the person and see what condition they are in, as happened with Symi. In the case of Amorgos, there was immediate mobilization, with the help of neighboring islands. Search efforts are focused on trails in the area, involving firefighters, volunteers, a police team from Ios, as well as the island's mayor and city councilors.

The current situation highlights the need for increased awareness and caution by tourists visiting Greece, particularly during periods of extreme weather conditions. Authorities continue to search for missing people and urge visitors to take necessary safety precautions.