21-Year-Old German Tourist Missing in Crete’s Samaria Gorge
For the past five days, a 21-year-old German tourist from Baden-Württemberg has been reported missing on the Greek island of Crete. The young man had set out to hike the infamous Samaria Gorge.
According to Greek media, the man sent a final message to his sister on Thursday evening, indicating that everything was fine. However, no further contact has been established since then. His parents and sister have reportedly arrived in Crete.
Surveillance camera footage released by Greek television channel Alpha TV shows the parking lot at the entrance to the gorge and the young man believed to be exiting a rental car, warming up, and jogging off into the gorge. The Cretan website Zarpanews has also published images of rescue workers searching for the missing tourist.
In an earlier message, the man allegedly informed his sister on Thursday afternoon that he was ascending the 1,980-meter-high Mount Gingalos, Zarpanews reported. The second and final message, stating that everything was okay, was sent around 7:40 p.m., after darkness had fallen.
Access to the Samaria Gorge, a popular hiking destination, is typically prohibited during the winter months due to the risk of landslides, rockfalls, and flooding caused by heavy rainfall.
Rescue teams and firefighters are actively searching the area, and a Greek aid organization has issued a missing person’s report. The Coast Guard is also assisting, considering the possibility that the young man may have ventured to the coast.
Greece, particularly Crete, has witnessed a spate of accidents involving foreign hikers. Last year, a 67-year-old German tourist died while hiking in June, and a 60-year-old German died in September.
Extreme heat often poses a significant challenge for hikers. Heatstroke can lead to disorientation and incapacitation. However, even during the winter months, hiking in areas such as Mount Olympus or Crete’s Samaria Gorge can be hazardous due to heavy snow and rainfall.
Additional Context and Safety Tips for Hiking in Greece:
1. Heatstroke Prevention:
- Hike during cooler hours (early morning or evening)
- Drink plenty of water and electrolyte-rich beverages
- Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing
- Carry a hat and sunscreen
2. Winter Hiking Safety:
- Check weather forecasts and avoid hiking in severe weather conditions
- Bring appropriate clothing for snow and rain
- Inform someone of your itinerary and expected return time
- Stay on marked trails and avoid shortcuts
3. General Safety Precautions:
- Stay aware of your surroundings and pay attention to any unusual sounds or sights
- Carry a whistle or other means of signaling for help
- Bring a map and compass or GPS device
- Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to be back
- Never hike alone, especially in remote areas
4. Respecting Trails and the Environment:
- Stay on designated trails to avoid erosion and damage to vegetation
- Pack out everything that you pack in
- Be mindful of noise levels and avoid disturbing wildlife
- Leave no trace of your presence
By following these precautions and adhering to the guidelines provided by local authorities, hikers can minimize risks and enjoy the beauty and adventure of Crete’s Samaria Gorge and other hiking destinations in Greece.
