A long and challenging rescue operation was carried out for a Dutch tourist who fell from a great height within the Samaria National Park.

According to updated reports from cretapost, members of the Hellenic Fire Service’s Special Disaster Response Unit (EMAK) and ground rescue teams carried the injured tourist on a stretcher for several hours to reach a safe area where an ambulance could access him.

The terrain made the process difficult, forcing the rescuers to stop multiple times along the way.

Eventually, early this morning, the rescue team reached Xyloskalo and handed over the Dutch tourist to EKAV paramedics, who transported him to the Chania hospital.

He sustained head and body injuries

As cretapost previously reported, the Dutch tourist was on the trail leading to Mount Gigilos when he suddenly fell from a considerable height.

A group of Greek hikers found the injured man and called emergency number 112, prompting immediate mobilization of the authorities.

Following instructions from EKAV rescuers, the Greek hikers administered first aid to the tourist, who had suffered a head injury and abrasions on his body.

Helicopter deployed but couldn’t approach

Authorities had ordered a helicopter to airlift the injured man to the hospital. Unfortunately, the helicopter was unable to approach the area due to the difficult terrain, so ground forces took over the rescue operation.

Official statement from the Fire Department

On the afternoon of Monday, April 21, 2025, the Operations Center of the Hellenic Fire Service was notified about a search and rescue mission for a man on Mount Gigilos in Chania, Crete.

A search and rescue team was immediately assembled, consisting of 18 firefighters from the 3rd EMAK’s Mountain Rescue Unit (O.O.E.D.), the 3rd Special Forest Operations Unit (E.MO.D.E.), firefighters from Chania’s 1st Fire Station, and the Kampanos Fire Station.

Later that afternoon, the man was located injured in a remote and inaccessible area. After being extricated, he was carried to a secure location where an ambulance could reach him.

The rescue operation concluded in the early morning hours of Tuesday, April 22, 2025.