A large-scale volunteer operation continues across Crete as search teams intensify efforts to locate 33-year-old doctor Alexis Tsikopoulos, who has been missing since December 7. Tsikopoulos, a physician at Venizelio Hospital in Heraklion, has remained unaccounted for more than a month, with hopes of finding him alive fading as time passes.
Sixteen volunteers from the Friends of the Thermaikos Coast Hunters Group (OFKATH) arrived on the island and triggered a renewed search effort, mobilising local volunteer teams who are working alongside the Greek Police and the Fire Service.
Speaking to Creta24 on Friday, January 16, 2026, OFKATH president and head of the operation Christos Ramos urged the public to carefully examine a newly created image of the missing doctor produced with the help of Artificial Intelligence. The AI-generated image reflects how Tsikopoulos may look today and aims to generate credible new leads.
Volunteer teams have concentrated their searches in areas linked to reported sightings. Ramos stressed that citizens should contact authorities only when they feel certain about the information they provide. “Only if we are sure should we say we saw him here or there,” he said.
On January 15, teams searched the village of Kalyves after receiving a report that Tsikopoulos had been seen near a kiosk. Searchers also carried out night-time operations using thermal cameras, although heavy farming activity in the area complicated efforts due to the large number of people present.
On January 16, teams resumed searches from the village of Fres, where investigators found Tsikopoulos’ vehicle. New information redirected volunteers to the nearby village of Pemonia, while reports from Rethymno and Heraklion will be examined on Saturday, January 17.
Volunteers are operating in four coordinated teams. George Keimenoulakis of the Hellenic Rescue Team said crews are currently searching around Pemonia, with plans to expand toward Agio Pnevma. “The area is large and difficult to access, which makes the operation especially demanding,” he said.
Meanwhile, teams conducted a second day of searches in the forest near Fres. Giannis Grigorakis, a game warden with the Hunting Federation of Crete and the Dodecanese, said trained dogs are examining the eastern part of the forest. He noted that the dogs primarily locate poisoned bait and dead animals, meaning their deployment addresses the worst-case scenario—one the teams hope to avoid.
Ramos said organised search operations will continue until Sunday, January 18, but volunteers stand ready to remain on the island if new evidence emerges.
“If new information comes to light, we will stay longer. What matters is finding Alexis,” he said, expressing hope that the ongoing effort will soon bring answers.
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