A UK coroner is calling for improved beach safety measures in Greece after a British tourist drowned on a beach without lifeguards.
Andrew Story, 56, from Frodsham, Cheshire, died on October 12th while swimming in the sea off Rethymno, Crete. An inquest into his death revealed that the beach lacked lifeguard cover after August 31st, despite remaining a popular tourist destination.
Senior Cheshire coroner, Jacqueline Devonish, concluded that Mr. Story's death was an accident. However, she highlighted the unsafe conditions present at the time, noting the "particularly rough" sea and the absence of warning signs, flags, or lifeguards.
"The use of that beach and sea for swimming [was] generally, and particularly unsafe in the absence of red warning markers, signs or flags," she stated in her report.
Ms. Devonish has written to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) urging them to address these safety concerns with Greek authorities. She emphasizes the need for action to prevent future tragedies.
The inquest heard that Mr. Story had only been in the water for a short time before a bystander attempted to revive him on the beach. Sadly, he was pronounced dead shortly after.
While post-mortem examinations in both Greece and the UK confirmed drowning as the cause of death, the UK examination also identified an enlarged heart chamber.
The Greek authorities have 56 days to respond to the coroner's report and outline what steps they will take to prevent future deaths. The BBC has reached out to both the FCO and the Greek government for comment.