A 60-year-old man from South Lanarkshire has died after rescuing his two grandsons from drowning off a beach in Crete. Jonathan Smith, from Carluke, drowned in choppy waters at Gouves beach after pulling the boys, aged seven and ten, to safety.
According to journalist Anthee Carassava, the family was on holiday when the boys encountered difficulties while swimming. Mr Smith went in to help, managing to get them out, but became exhausted and could not reach the shore. Locals, including two waiters, also attempted to assist.
The boys were taken to hospital with minor injuries. Mr Smith had worked for North Lanarkshire Council for 34 years and more recently for NHS Lanarkshire. Council chief executive Des Murray described him as a 'wonderful, kind and considerate family man' who was central to the Syrian Resettlement Programme.
The UK Foreign Office said it was supporting the family and liaising with Greek authorities.
