The Rethymno wildfire triggered a dramatic rescue operation off the southern coast of Crete, where the Greek Coast Guard evacuated 29 people trapped by the rapidly spreading flames near Agios Pavlos. Thick smoke and dangerous fire conditions forced authorities to carry out the evacuation by sea as firefighters continued battling the massive blaze.

The wildfire, burning in the Krya Vrysi area of Rethymno, remains out of control, with dramatic footage showing Coast Guard crews navigating through dense smoke to reach people stranded along the coastline.

Under extremely challenging conditions, 29 people were safely evacuated by sea after the fast-moving wildfire and heavy smoke made it too dangerous for them to remain in the area.

The rescue operation was carried out by the Hellenic Coast Guard, assisted by a rescue vessel and privately owned fishing boats. Despite poor visibility caused by the thick smoke, rescue crews successfully reached those trapped and transported them to safety.

Among those rescued were elderly people, women, and children. Boat crews battled not only difficult sea conditions but also severely reduced visibility caused by the wildfire.

According to the Hellenic Coast Guard, 17 people were rescued during the first operation. A second rescue mission followed shortly afterward, evacuating another 12 people, bringing the total number of people rescued by sea to 29.

Two Coast Guard patrol vessels, a rescue boat, and several private vessels remain deployed in the area and are on standby to assist with any further evacuations if conditions worsen.

Watch the video: Dramatic Coast Guard rescue during the Rethymno wildfire

Video footage from the operation captures the scale of the emergency, with a thick blanket of smoke covering the coastline as rescue crews race to evacuate civilians from Agios Pavlos.

Agia Galini Evacuation Underway as Wildfire Threat Continues

Meanwhile, authorities are carrying out the evacuation of Agia Galini following a 112 emergency alert issued because of the expanding Rethymno wildfire.

The hospitality sector across Rethymno has been placed on high alert, with the Rethymno Hotel Association compiling available accommodation to ensure rooms are ready for residents and tourists who may need temporary shelter.

Speaking to the Athens-Macedonian News Agency (ANA-MPA), hotel owner and association member Michalis Christoforakis said that the wildfire was not yet visible from Agia Galini at the time the evacuation began.

He added that both residents and visitors are calmly following the instructions contained in the 112 emergency alert, which directs them to evacuate toward Tympaki, noting that there is no panic despite the rapidly evolving situation.