The search and rescue operation off the coast of Greece continues Monday for the third Macedonian missing in the sea near Possidi’s Miti beach on Chalkidiki, after his two friends were found alive over the weekend. According to MIA’s Athens correspondent, the three were celebrating a birthday and went for a swim when the waves and the strong wind dragged them away from shore.
People on the beach noticed what happened and notified the coastguard, which immediately sent a rescue team to find the swimmers. The Hellenic Coast Guard said the search for the missing 28-year-old North Macedonia national resumed Monday at dawn, with the help of the Greek air force and local volunteer rescue teams.
On Saturday, his 25-year-old friend had been found alive after spending nearly two hours in the water. On Sunday, a military helicopter found their 30-year-old friend, who had been in the sea for almost 20 hours. After a cargo ship picked him up around 15 nautical miles west of Possidi, a coast patrol boat took him to the port in Nea Skioni.
He was greeted with applause by the crowd including many reporters who have been following the search for the missing Macedonian tourists, according to MIA’s Athens correspondent. Kassandra Mayor Anastasia Chalkia told MIA that a small ball he found in the sea saved the 30-year-old’s life.
“I think he had or has a birthday. God gave him a great gift, gave him life,” Chalkia said, wishing him good health as well as expressing hope his 28-year-old friend is rescued soon.
