Two minor boys, aged 14 and 15 years old, who recovered from the Arachthos river at noon on Wednesday (11/6), at the height of Neochori.

Within the next few hours, they are expected to be evacuated to the University General Hospital of Patras by ambulance and accompanied by police forces.

According to reports, CT scans showed extensive brain swelling and water in the lungs and one of the two children was also found to have a fractured neck.

They reportedly stayed at least 20 minutes underwater, and at least 30 minutes of CPR was performed. The lack of oxygen for that entire time is an extremely detrimental factor to their health. In any case, the doctors will be constantly monitoring their condition for the next 48 hours which will be crucial to their health prognosis.

Timeline

It all happened in the early afternoon when four minors went to the Arakhos for a swim. The 14-year-old wandered off without knowing how to swim well and was swept away by the river’s waters. The 15-year-old rushed to rescue him, but he too became trapped. The other two friends immediately called for help from nearby citizens as well as the police and fire brigade. The two minors were rescued by civilians in a boat.

Ambulances of the ambulance service rushed to the spot, and immediately, rescuers started CPR. The two children were taken unconscious and transferred to the Arta hospital. According to reports, a resuscitation attempt was made by the doctors and the minors regained consciousness.