Greek Kitesurfer Saves Father and Daughter After They’re Swept Out at Sea

On July 11, a Hungarian tourist and his 10-year-old daughter were swept far out into the Aegean Sea near Epanomi, just outside Thessaloniki.

Strong winds and treacherous sea currents pulled them into deeper waters, leaving them struggling to stay afloat and visible only as faint heads bobbing on the surface.

A Surprising Lifeline: A Kitesurfer Glides to Their Aid

Nearby, two athletic kitesurfers from Thessaloniki were training when they noticed the father and daughter drifting helplessly. One of them, Anastasis Garipis, immediately steered toward them on his board. He reached the pair and handed over his board so they could hold on, buy time, and avoid exhaustion.

Grappling with freezing water and dangerously strong currents, both victims were visibly shaken but remained conscious, clinging desperately to their board until further help arrived.

Rescue on Multiple Fronts

The coast guard was alerted immediately, and a local hunting association boat joined the rescue under the coordination of Thyme. A coordinated team—including coast guard, local police, and emergency medics—arrived and safely lifted the pair aboard. Both father and daughter were checked by EKAV paramedics and confirmed to have no serious injuries.

Garipis’s father later shared footage of the rescue, proudly calling his son “a hero” who saved lives off the Thermaic Gulf.

Conditions That Turned Deadly

According to kitesurfer accounts, the currents in that coastal area—especially near the Epanomi shoreline—are deceptively dangerous. Heavy winds and underwater geography combine to push swimmers far out without notice. The rescuers say they estimated that the pair had been adrift for approximately forty-five minutes before help reached them.

Garipis noted that even with his wetsuit, he began to feel numb after just thirty minutes in the cold water. The father and daughter, wearing only swimwear, were clearly exposed to life-threatening conditions.

A Reminder of the Sea’s Hidden Power

This rescue underscores two powerful truths: how quickly seaside adventures can turn critical, and how individual courage paired with community support can avert tragedy.

Athletes like Garipis—both competitive and acutely aware of local water risks—proved that everyday fitness can become a lifesaving intervention. Meanwhile, the speed and coordination of the coast guard and volunteer services ensured the rescue operation remained swift and effective.

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