A 92-year-old fisherman from the Greek island of Evia has filed an application with Guinness World Records seeking recognition as the world's oldest working professional fisherman, after completing a documented 6.5-hour fishing expedition last month.
Captain Dimitris Polyzoidis set sail from the port of Eretria at 3:30 a.m. on Aug. 13 aboard his wooden fishing boat, the Grigorios, accompanied by three official witnesses who remained aboard throughout the voyage to verify the attempt.
Mr. Polyzoidis personally navigated the vessel, manually cast and retrieved his nets and longline gear, and returned safely to port by 10 a.m. with his catch, before continuing with the follow-up work of cleaning nets and resetting his longline.
The witnesses signed official statements confirming the details of the expedition, which now form part of the application file submitted to Guinness World Records.
The application was completed and filed by Mr. Polyzoidis's son, Polyzois Polyzoidis, with the family now awaiting the organization's formal review and, if all conditions are met, official international recognition of the record.
Mr. Polyzoidis has spent much of his life at sea and remains deeply connected to Eretria's fishing tradition even at 92.
He recently underwent a scheduled surgical procedure and is currently in recovery, temporarily keeping him away from both the water and public appearances.
The nonprofit organization ISONOMIA, which documented the attempt, said the family hopes the record will highlight the enduring role of small-scale, traditional fishing communities across Greece's islands, where aging fishermen like Mr. Polyzoidis continue working well beyond typical retirement age.