American Tourist Found Dead Near Corfu Amid Record-Breaking Heatwave in Greece

An American tourist has been found dead near the Greek island of Corfu, highlighting the severe impact of an unseasonal heatwave that has gripped the region.

The 55-year-old man was discovered in the sea near the old port of Mathraki by another tourist, who subsequently alerted the authorities.

This tragic incident was reported by both the public broadcaster ERT and the Athens News Agency.

The man, who had been missing since Tuesday, was on vacation in Mathraki with a Greek-American friend.

His body has been transferred to Corfu hospital for a post-mortem examination to determine the cause of death.

This death adds to a growing list of recent tourist fatalities on Greek islands.

Last week, BBC presenter Michael Mosley was found dead on the island of Symi. Additionally, a 74-year-old Dutchman was discovered deceased by the fire service in Samos.

The crisis continues as two French women, aged 73 and 64, have been reported missing on Sikinos, a small island in the Aegean Sea. Authorities are also conducting searches for another missing tourist on the island of Amorgos.

Many of these individuals were attempting to hike under the intense heat, which saw temperatures reach a staggering 43 degrees Celsius in many areas of Greece.

Meteorologists have noted that this marks the earliest heatwave on record for Greece.

A heatwave in Greece is characterized by temperatures exceeding 38 degrees Celsius for at least three consecutive days. The extreme heat has posed significant dangers for both residents and tourists, underscoring the urgent need for caution and preparedness during such unprecedented weather events.