World championship sailing coaches save 130 people stranded on Greek beach during wildfires
Coaches acted ‘without hesitation’ to save lives on beach
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sailing coaches at a world championship event in Greece have been hailed after helping rescue 130 people stranded on a beach from a wildfire.
The coaches, in Volos for the ILCA 4 Youth World Championships, helped evacuate locals from the beach in Nea Anchialos as a raging wildfire blocked exits in the area.
The wildfire in the seaside town is just one of several that has hit Greece during the scorching heatwave in Europe, with thousands of tourists forced to flee Rhodes last week.
Coaches grabbed bottles of water and set off in 60 motorised boats to travel 10 miles to Nea Anchialos and bring the 130 people back to Volos beach.
World Sailing chief executive David Graham said the coaches who helped with the rescue exhibited “a truly outstanding example of the best qualities of our sport”.
The coaches acted “without hesitation” after they saw that flames had blocked exits from the bay, he said.
Andrus Poksi, field operations officer at the International Laser Class Association, said: “The selfless and quick reaction of the coaches was inspiring to see.
“Their contribution to help the local people shows that sailing is a sport where teamwork and camaraderie shines through in even the most challenging circumstances.
“I would expect nothing less from the sailors and coaches and we will always do anything we can to help those in danger.”
Susannah Chapman, one of the coaches, filmed the effort as smoke filled the sky from the beach - forcing the rescuers to cover their faces.
The crews had the lightweight motorboats on hand to flank the Laser sailing boats during the competition.
Labis Tsoukalas, president of the Nautical Club of Volos and Argonauts, said: “When we got the call for help from the coast guard, I knew we had the right people and equipment for the job.
“We’re very proud to have been able to contribute to the lifesaving operation in the way we know best as sailors.
“We have very talented and qualified coaches working at these types of events. It’s credit to them that we were able to carry out the rescue successfully.”
Mr Graham added: “This is a truly outstanding example of the best qualities of our sport – resourcefulness, courage and a strong sense of responsibility for our wider coastal communities.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments