A 34-year-old British tourist has died after being rescued from the water off the Greek island of Zakynthos, also known as Zante.
The man reportedly began struggling while swimming near the islet of Marathonisi on Tuesday afternoon (August 18), prompting beachgoers to alert the authorities. Officers from the Zakynthos Port Authority, assisted by people on the beach, pulled him from the sea and attempted to revive him.
Rescue and hospitalisation
CPR was carried out before he was taken to Zakynthos General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. An investigation into his death has since been opened by local officials, according to The Mirror.
"Yesterday afternoon (Tuesday), the Zakynthos Port Authority was informed of a 34-year-old foreigner (British citizen) in a difficult position near the Marathonisi area of Laganas, Zakynthos," authorities confirmed in a statement.
They added: "With the assistance of beachgoers, he was transported to the shore, where he was provided with first aid using the cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) method. The 34-year-old was picked up by a patrol boat and transported to the port of Agios Sostis, Zakynthos.
Investigation and context
"Subsequently, the man was taken to the Zakynthos General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. A preliminary investigation is being conducted by the Zakynthos Port Authority."
Zante is a popular holiday destination for British tourists. The island was named the most tourist-crowded resort in a 2025 Which? Travel report, which estimated overnight stays outnumber residents 150 to one.
