What started as a patriotic mission to the southernmost point of Europe turned into a five-day survival story for a group of students and parents from Attica. After being trapped on the remote island of Gavdos by severe weather, the group is finally heading home.
The mission, titled “Where There Are Angels,” saw dozens of students travel to the tiny island to ensure the Greek Independence Day parade on March 25th wouldn’t go uncelebrated. However, the elements had other plans.
A Parade with No Local Students
Gavdos, a rugged island south of Crete, currently has no local schoolchildren. To honor the national holiday, 47 people—including 21 students—traveled from Athens to the island to hold a traditional parade.
The mission included students from:
* The 1st Primary, Gymnasium, and Kindergarten of Voula
* Giannopoulos Schools
* The 23rd Primary School of Kallithea
* The 3rd Sea Scouts of Voula
The children wore traditional costumes and recited poems, bringing life to the remote border region. But shortly after the celebrations ended, gale-force winds and stormy seas cut off all transportation to the mainland.
Five Days in “Exile”
For five days, the 47-member mission remained stranded on the island as ferry services were suspended. The situation became a national talking point, drawing the attention of the Minister of the Interior, Th. Livanios, who remained in contact with the group.
As the days passed, authorities even prepared a “Plan B.” According to Giorgos Ntoutsoulis, President of the Parents’ Association of the 1st Primary School of Voula, a Greek Navy frigate stationed in the area was on high alert to evacuate the children if the commercial ferry could not sail.
The Rescue Operation
Fortunately, an improvement in the weather on Monday meant that the regular ferry from Sfakia was able to set sail to pick up the group. Lilian Stefanaki, the mayor of Gavdos, confirmed that the ship was able to sail. From Crete, they began their journey back to Athens.
A Message from the Border
While the students are safe, the organizers of the mission hope their “adventure” serves a greater purpose. Members of the group have stated that this ordeal should highlight the daily struggles faced by those living on Greece’s remote border islands (akritika nisia).
From lack of regular transport to the absence of schools, the mission aims to remind the central government that these “angels” on the edge of Europe need more than just a parade once a year—they need consistent support and infrastructure.
NORMAN 'KRETANER': After more than 20 years on the ‘Island’ and having gained a lot of experience here, CreteTip does not only present you the beautiful holiday (dream) world as most travel or tourist websites do, but the reality, which is often not as colorful as on the glossy photos of the travel portals. Hence, the effort of a long-time inhabitant of the island to provide objective and unbiased reports about sights, excursions and holiday destinations, news, tips and also problems directly from the largest Greek island !
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