Fled the Flames and Jumped into the Sea: Dozens Rescued by Boats from Massive Wildfire in Crete

Dozens of residents and tourists were rescued by boats from Agios Pavlos beach in Crete after a massive wildfire blocked land escape routes. Some jumped into the sea to flee the flames. 31 people were rescued, two firefighters were killed. Strong winds hampered firefighting efforts.

A massive wildfire that broke out in the Kria Vrisi area south of Rethymno, Crete, spread rapidly due to strong winds, threatening settlements and tourist sites. Dozens of residents and tourists were trapped on Agios Pavlos beach after the fire blocked land access routes. Some jumped into the sea to escape the flames and thick smoke. The Coast Guard and private vessels rescued 31 people from the beach and water, including children, women, and the elderly. Meanwhile, thousands were evacuated from hotels and villages in the area. Two firefighters were killed battling the blaze. Strong winds hampered the operation of firefighting planes and helicopters, and the fight was conducted mainly from the ground. The fire front stretched for kilometers, and flames reached homes and agricultural areas.