A 57-year-old British tourist died after being found unresponsive in the waters off Prasonisi, Rhodes, on Sunday, September 7, marking the third fatality at the popular Greek resort location this year. The man was discovered floating in the sea around midday without a pulse when brought to shore by rescue teams.
Emergency responders transported the tourist to the Gennadi Health Centre, but medical staff were unable to save him and he was pronounced dead at the hospital. The Lindos Port Authority has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death, with an autopsy ordered to establish the exact cause.
Prasonisi, located at the southern tip of Rhodes, is known for its strong Meltemi winds that make it a prime destination for windsurfing and kitesurfing. The area features a sandy beach and small rocky island, often connected by a sandbar where the Aegean and Mediterranean seas meet.
This latest death follows a pattern of similar incidents involving British nationals at Rhodes locations. On August 16, a 26-year-old British man was found unconscious after swimming off Lindos, the island’s historic tourist capital. Despite emergency response efforts, he was later pronounced dead at the Archangelos Health Centre. Local police investigated the circumstances around that incident, with an autopsy ordered by the Forensic Medical Service.
The UK Foreign Office confirmed its involvement in supporting affected families, with a spokesperson stating they are “supporting the family of a British man who died in Greece and are in contact with the local authorities.”
In June, another British tourist death occurred at a Rhodes beach when a 68-year-old man lost consciousness while swimming. Officers from the Central Port Authority rushed to Lindos beach and transported the individual to the nearby Archangelos health centre, where his death was confirmed.
The September 7 incident represents the third death specifically at Prasonisi, according to multiple reports from local authorities. The windswept location attracts numerous visitors seeking water sports activities, but its powerful winds and sea conditions can present challenges for swimmers and water sports enthusiasts.
Rhodes remains one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations for British visitors, drawing hundreds of thousands annually to its beaches, historic sites, and recreational facilities. The island’s port authorities have established protocols for investigating incidents involving foreign tourists, typically involving local police, medical examiners, and coordination with respective foreign consulates.
Officials have not released the identity of the 57-year-old victim pending family notification and completion of the investigation. The autopsy results are expected to provide additional details about the exact circumstances that led to his death in the waters off Prasonisi.
The Lindos Port Authority continues to coordinate with local medical facilities and international consulates regarding the ongoing investigation. Emergency response protocols remain in place for the popular tourist areas throughout Rhodes, with medical facilities at Gennadi Health Centre and Archangelos Health Centre serving as primary response locations for maritime incidents.
Tourism safety measures at popular Greek destinations have come under increased scrutiny following multiple incidents involving international visitors. Local authorities maintain rescue capabilities and medical response teams at major tourist locations, though challenging sea conditions at exposed locations like Prasonisi can complicate rescue efforts.
The September incident occurred during peak tourist season when Rhodes experiences high visitor numbers from across Europe. Weather conditions and sea state information at the time of the incident have not been released as part of the ongoing investigation by local authorities.