A 40-year-old Dutch tourist has drowned while attempting to rescue a friend who ran into trouble swimming near a rented speedboat off Malia, Crete, as three children aboard the vessel watched in horror.
The incident occurred around midday in the waters off Malia.
According to local outlet neakriti, the two women, both around 40, had rented a small inflatable speedboat from Chersonisos — a vessel that can be operated without a license — and were accompanied by three children, two under age five and one around 15.
During the outing, one of the women entered the water to swim but soon felt unwell and began struggling to stay afloat. Seeing her friend in distress, the 40-year-old jumped in to help, attempting to support her, but became exhausted in the effort.
The first woman managed to survive, but her friend lost consciousness in the water.
The children aboard the boat began calling for help, drawing the attention of people nearby. Jet ski operators from neighboring water sports businesses rushed to assist in the rescue.
The unconscious woman was pulled from the water and brought to shore, where emergency responders and Greece's National Emergency Aid Center (EKAB) attempted resuscitation, but she could not be revived.
Port authorities are investigating the exact circumstances of the drowning, with a forensic examination expected to determine the precise cause of death.