Newsflash from Sunday, 19 October 2025: A 51-year-old Polish tourist was injured on Spinalonga Island after a fainting episode led to a fall. The Greek Coast Guard responded immediately, ensuring her safe evacuation to a local hospital.
Immediate Response to Medical Emergency on Spinalonga
A 51-year-old tourist from Poland was injured on Spinalonga Island on the morning of Saturday, October 18, prompting an immediate and well-coordinated rescue operation by the Port Authority of Elounda.
According to reports from Nea Kriti, the woman suffered a fainting episode, lost her balance, and fell, sustaining a head injury. The incident occurred while she was visiting the historic island, one of Crete’s most popular tourist attractions.
Coast Guard Mobilizes Professional Vessel for Evacuation
Upon receiving the emergency call, the Elounda Port Authority immediately dispatched a professional vessel to Spinalonga. The injured woman was accompanied by a tour guide and safely transported to the nearby village of Plaka, where an EKAV ambulance was already waiting.
Throughout the transfer, the tourist remained conscious and stable, according to officials. She was then taken to the General Hospital of Agios Nikolaos for further medical evaluation and treatment.
Sixth Incident in Three Months
Authorities noted that this was the sixth emergency response in the last three months requiring rapid intervention by the Elounda Coast Guard. The repeated incidents highlight both the high volume of visitors to Spinalonga and the critical role of local emergency services in ensuring public safety in Crete’s tourist hotspots.
Local officials praised the speed and professionalism of the response teams, emphasizing their readiness to handle emergencies in remote or island areas.
Spinalonga: A Popular Yet Remote Destination
Spinalonga, located off the coast of Elounda in Lasithi, is a small island famous for its Venetian fortress and its history as Greece’s last leper colony. Each year, thousands of tourists visit the site by boat from Plaka or Elounda, making safety and emergency preparedness essential.
This latest incident serves as a reminder of the importance of medical readiness and coordination between local authorities, especially during Crete’s busy tourist season.
