British tourist, 26, dies from lightning strike around Greek island of Rhodes

Tourist was swimming in sea during heavy thunderstorm despite other swimmers' efforts to persuade him to come out

By Magda Panoutsopoulou

ATHENS (AA) - A young Briton died after being struck by lightning while swimming at a beach off the eastern side of the island of Rhodes, state broadcaster ERT said on Monday.

At the time of the accident, the area off the Greek island was reportedly experiencing severe thunderstorms.

The 26-year-old tourist was swimming during a thunderstorm at Agia Agathi Beach (Golden Sands) and decided to stay in the water despite the heavy rain and other swimmers’ urgings to get out.

Rescue crews and an ambulance rushed to the scene and tried to keep him alive while they took him to the local health center.

The young tourist did not respond to efforts by paramedics to resuscitate him.

According to ERT, the incident will be investigated by the Rhodes Coast Guard.

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