The bodies of four climbers who were killed in an avalanche in the Vardousia mountains of central Greece were recovered on Friday afternoon with the assistance of a helicopter, bringing a tragic end to a major rescue operation in the rugged region of Fokida.
According to the Hellenic Fire Service, the victims were airlifted from an extremely inaccessible location at an altitude of about 2,300 metres and transported to the area of Kirra near Itea, where ambulances of the National Emergency Medical Service (EKAB) took over.
Rescuers said the avalanche struck suddenly, leaving no time for reaction. The climbers were found buried under the snow and only a short distance apart, indicating that the incident unfolded within moments.
The four-member group had set out on Christmas morning from the village of Athanasios Diakos, heading for the Korakas peak. While weather conditions were initially favourable, authorities noted that the area had fresh and unstable snow, combined with steep terrain and high altitude — factors that proved fatal.
The Fire Service operations centre was alerted in the early hours of Friday, December 26, 2025, by a friend of the climbers who had planned to join them but withdrew at the last minute due to work obligations. A large-scale operation was immediately launched, involving 30 firefighters, mountain rescue units of EMAC, volunteer teams, police support and a helicopter. The victims were located later that evening without signs of life, covered by snow.
Among the dead was the group leader, Giorgos Domalis, who had been living in Athanasios Diakos in recent years and was familiar with the route, having completed it before. Also killed was 55-year-old Thanasis Kolotouros, an experienced mountaineer known for endurance challenges, including a solo trek across Crete in 16 days two years ago.
The other victims were Konstantinos Patikas, an avid extreme sports enthusiast with significant mountaineering experience, and Theodora Kaplani, a 31-year-old primary school teacher from Trikala. Her participation became known later, as initial reports had referred to three climbers.
Authorities are continuing to assess the circumstances of the accident, while warning of heightened avalanche risks in mountainous areas due to unstable snow conditions.
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