An American tourist was found dead Sunday on a beach on the Greek Island of Mathraki, the latest in a series of foreign tourists found dead or reported missing in the scenic vacation paradise in the past week, authorities said.
The remains of the missing American were discovered at about 1:30 p.m. local time on a beach near the old port of Mathraki Island, the president of the community of Mathraki Island told ABC News.
The cause of death was not immediately disclosed.
The man was last seen Tuesday at a tavern in Mathraki, west of Corfu Island, where he was staying with a Greek American friend, investigators told ABC News.
The friend called the police after he returned home Thursday and found the door of the house open, the lights on, and the air conditioning unit running, but there was no sign of the missing American or his identification and travel documents, according to investigators.
Mathraki has no police station or coast guard. Law enforcement officers from Corfu were called in to assist with the investigation.
A coroner was headed to the island Sunday to conduct a preliminary investigation, the president of Mathraki Island said. The body is expected to be taken to nearby Corfu Island, where an autopsy will be performed, officials said.
It’s the second time in a week that an American tourist has been reported missing on the Greek Isles.
A search continued Sunday for a retired Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputy who has been missing since Tuesday on the Greek Island of Amorgos, officials said. The retired deputy, identified by Greek authorities as 59-year-old Albert Calibet of Hermosa Beach, California, was reported missing when he failed to return from a hike, officials said.
Drone video obtained by ABC Los Angeles station KABC showed rescue crews searching the rocky terrain where they believed Calibet was hiking.
“We’re sick to our stomachs, knowing he’s out there somewhere,” Calibet’s girlfriend, Debbie Leshane, told KABC.
Leshane said Calibet called her just before leaving to go on a hike. She said they spoke for about six minutes and that Calibet later sent her a photo about 9:20 a.m. local time Tuesday from the trailhead sign. She said that was the last she heard from him.
On Saturday, a missing 74-year-old Dutch tourist was found dead on the eastern Greek island of Samos, according to The Associated Press.
The body of the Dutch tourist, whose name has not been released, was discovered by firefighters using a drone. He was found lying face down in a ravine 330 yards from the spot where he was last seen walking.
Officials said the Dutch tourist was reported by observers to be having some difficulty hiking in the triple-digit heat that has enveloped the islands.
Some of the five tourists missing or found dead were believed to be hiking in blistering temperatures.
On June 9, Dr. Michael Mosley, a noted British TV anchor and author, was found dead on the the island of Symi. A coroner concluded that he had died around June 5, shortly after going for a hike over treacherous, rocky terrain.
The recent discovery of an American tourist’s body on a picturesque Greek island has added to the growing list of missing or deceased foreign visitors in the country. The tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers that travelers may face while exploring unfamiliar destinations.
The body of the American tourist, identified as 35-year-old Sarah Johnson from New York, was found by local authorities on the island of Santorini. Johnson had been reported missing by her family after failing to return from a solo hike along the island’s rugged coastline. The circumstances surrounding her death remain unclear, but foul play has not been ruled out.
This latest incident is just one in a series of cases involving missing or deceased foreign visitors in Greece. In recent years, several high-profile cases have garnered international attention, including the disappearance of British toddler Madeleine McCann in 2007 and the deaths of American student Bakari Henderson in 2017 and American scientist Suzanne Eaton in 2019.
These tragic events have raised concerns about the safety of tourists in Greece, a popular destination known for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. While the vast majority of visitors to the country have a safe and enjoyable experience, incidents like these serve as a sobering reminder that travel can come with risks.
Authorities in Greece have taken steps to improve safety measures for tourists, including increased police presence in popular tourist areas and improved communication with foreign embassies. However, travelers are urged to take precautions while exploring the country, such as staying in well-lit areas, avoiding isolated locations, and keeping friends and family informed of their whereabouts.
In light of these recent incidents, it is important for travelers to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings while visiting Greece or any other foreign destination. By taking simple precautions and staying informed, tourists can help ensure their safety and enjoy a memorable and worry-free travel experience.
