Tragedy in Santorini: 5-Year-Old Boy Found Dead in Hotel Pool

Santorini – Investigations are underway following the tragic death of a 5-year-old boy, who was found lifeless in a hotel pool on the island of Santorini.

The child, a member of an Indian family on vacation as part of a tour group, was reportedly last seen by his father, who had been swimming in the pool. After the father emerged from the water, he realized his son was missing, prompting immediate efforts to locate him.

The boy was eventually found unconscious in the pool, and hotel staff quickly began resuscitation efforts. Emergency services were contacted, and the child was rushed to Santorini Hospital, where he was sadly pronounced dead.

Police Arrest Three in Connection with the Incident

Following the tragic event, local police made three arrests. The 38-year-old hotel manager and the 37-year-old pool manager, a certified lifeguard who was working at the hotel’s second pool at the time of the incident, have been arrested on charges of manslaughter. The boy’s 33-year-old father has also been arrested, facing charges of child endangerment.

The three individuals are set to appear before the prosecutor in Naxos as investigations continue.

Mayor's Statement on the Tragedy

Santorini’s mayor, Nikos Zorzos, spoke to ERT regarding the incident, offering some insight into the circumstances. He noted that the pool’s regulations did not mandate the presence of a lifeguard, though he acknowledged the complexity of evaluating such a situation after a tragedy.

“The Police Sub-Directorate is looking into all possibilities,” he added.

Zorzos also confirmed that a defibrillator was available at the hotel, and it was immediately used in an attempt to revive the child, along with other first aid measures, before the child was transferred to Thira Hospital.

“Although the medical team fought hard, the child's condition was critical, and unfortunately, they could not save him,” the mayor said.