Cruise Passengers Tragically Drown During Greek Island Visit

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Two Vietnamese cruise passengers have drowned in a tragic accident at Sarakiniko Beach on the Greek island of Milos after being swept into the sea by powerful winds on Friday 8th August 2025.

Sarakiniko Beach on Milos

The victims, believed to be a married couple in their 50s or 60s (reports vary), were part of a cruise ship group that had disembarked earlier in the day at the island’s main port of Adamas.

According to Greek authorities, the woman was attempting to take a photograph on the island’s exposed northern shoreline when she was caught off balance by a strong gust and fell into the water.

Her husband jumped in to try to save her, but both were quickly overwhelmed by the turbulent sea conditions.

Local winds were recorded at up to 50 miles per hour (80kmph), well into gale force strength. Sarakiniko’s smooth white volcanic cliffs and lack of vegetation leave it highly exposed to the elements, and its beauty belies the hazards posed by sudden weather changes.

The couple’s bodies were later recovered by the Greek coastguard with the assistance of private boats and divers.

They were taken to a local health centre, where they were pronounced dead. The Vietnamese embassy in Greece confirmed the fatalities the following day, stating it was in contact with the victims’ families and working with Greek authorities and the travel company involved to assist with arrangements.

The embassy also urged Vietnamese nationals visiting Greece to stay away from cliff edges and avoid entering the sea during high winds.

Cruise Line Unofficially Named as Celestyal Cruises

Although the couple’s cruise ship has not been officially named, Celestyal Cruises’ Celestyal Journey was the only vessel in port at Milos on the day of the accident.

Celestyal Journey

The 55,800-gross-ton ship, formerly Holland America Line’s Ryndam, is homeported from Piraeus (Athens) and was nearing the end of a seven-night Greek Isles itinerary.

Milos was her final port call before returning to Athens, and she has since departed on her next voyage.

The tragedy occurred as much of southern Greece faced severe weather. The country’s civil protection ministry issued alerts for wind speeds of up to 88kmph across the Aegean and Crete, along with warnings of a very high risk of wind-driven wildfires.

Ferry services between Athens and the Cyclades were heavily disrupted, with many sailings cancelled or delayed and travellers stranded at ports in Piraeus, Rafina and Lavrio.

Giorgos Vallis, president of the Panhellenic Association of Yacht Crews, told state broadcaster ERT that authorities should consider restricting access to certain beaches during extreme weather to prevent accidents.

“When such phenomena occur, port authorities should close off the area to prevent people from taking photos or jumping from the rocks into the sea,”

While cruise lines take extensive precautions to safeguard passengers, accidents ashore can still occur, particularly in scenic but exposed destinations such as Sarakiniko Beach.

Visitors are urged to exercise caution in strong winds, keep well clear of cliff edges, and remain aware of changing weather conditions.

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