A heartbreaking incident has shaken Greece, as a 14-year-old boy bravely attempted to rescue his 12-year-old friend from drowning in the Arachthos River. Unfortunately, both boys ended up submerged and are now in critical condition at the ICU of Rio Hospital, intubated and receiving intensive medical care.
Incident Overview
Reports indicate that the 12-year-old was the first to leap into the river. When he began to struggle, the 14-year-old quickly jumped in to help his friend. Tragically, during the rescue attempt, the older boy suffered a head injury, and both boys disappeared beneath the water.
They were later recovered from the river in an unconscious state. Despite aggressive treatment aimed at alleviating brain swelling, their condition remains extremely critical, with medical staff stating that the first 24 hours are vital. As of now, neither child has reacted to any medications administered.
Rescue Timeline
Witnesses reported that the boys were submerged for about 20 minutes before being retrieved. An additional 30 minutes elapsed before CPR was administered at Arta Hospital, where doctors urgently worked to revive them.
Local Hero: “I jumped in without hesitation”
Goga Levian is being celebrated as a local hero for risking his life to assist in the rescue. He recounted his experience to ProtoThema.gr:
“I was at the café when a boy rode up on a motorbike shouting, ‘Help! Two kids are drowning in the river!’ Without a second thought, I jumped in my car and raced to the scene. I pushed through the reeds but couldn’t see anything. I then got on a boat with others and dove in. The first dive yielded nothing. On my second dive, I took a deep breath and went deeper, about eight meters down. That’s when I found him—motionless, his face dark, arms and legs spread. I pulled him up with great difficulty. Moments later, I learned they had found the second boy. I dove again, two or three more times, and found him lying on his back at the bottom, blood coming from his nose and mouth. It was terrifying.”
Levian continued, visibly emotional:
“One of the boys is the same age as my daughter. Race, religion, or background don’t matter to me. I’m a foreigner, but I’m human. I acted as any father would. I can’t stop thinking about the children. I hope they survive, wake up, and continue their lives. It’s heart-wrenching. Now my own children are crying at home. I need to return to them…”
Medical Updates and Hope
Medical professionals are continuously monitoring the boys’ conditions. Their families are by their sides, clinging to hope for a miracle. While the medical outlook is challenging, every effort is being made to support their recovery.
This poignant story of bravery, tragedy, and human compassion has captivated the nation, with many coming together in prayer and support for the two young boys and their families.
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