Kythera Island, Greece – July 26, 2025
On July 26, devastating wildfires swept across Kythera Island, trapping 139 people—children, elderly, families, and their pets—at Limnionas Bay, a remote beach with no dock or escape route. With limited cell service, the group faced a dire situation until Captain Spiros, a beloved local boat captain, answered their desperate call for help.
Spiros, known for his Glass Bottom boat tours and over 30 years of navigating Kythera’s waters, rushed to the scene alongside the Coast Guard and two smaller vessels. Despite rough seas and thick smoke, he expertly guided his boat through shallow waters to board the terrified evacuees. As fear prevented transfers to other vessels, Spiros’s boat became overloaded, with one engine failing and the other barely functioning. Undeterred, he safely transported all 139 people and their pets to Kapsali.
The heroic rescue came at a heavy cost. Spiros’s boat, Glass Bottom, suffered severe damage, with engine repairs estimated at tens of thousands of euros. The vessel, his sole source of income, is now out of service for the summer, threatening his livelihood. True to his selfless nature, Spiros has not sought assistance.
The Kythera community is now stepping up to support their hero. Friends, neighbors, and those he rescued have launched a fundraising campaign to repair Glass Bottom and get Spiros back on the water. “Spiros has always been there for us,” said Giannis Kasimatis, a local organizer. “Now it’s our turn to help him.”
“No donation is too small,” added Mari Koroneou, another campaign leader. “Every euro helps Spiros return to what he loves most.”
To contribute to the repair fund, contact campaign organizers: Giannis Kasimatis, Mari Koroneou, Marianna Yanniotis, Eliza Bakopoulou, George Lampoglou, Carlotta De Gennaro, Elena Malissou, or Natalia Margioli.
The Kythera community is uniting to ensure Captain Spiros can sail again.
https://gogetfunding.com/helping-spiros/
Reported by Greek City Times
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