“One of the children was the same age as my daughter. They came running and shouting for help. I was having coffee when I heard ‘help,’ so I jumped in my car. They informed me that two kids were drowning, so I rushed to the scene. I managed to pull one child out, but then I was told there was another still in the water. I dove back in but couldn’t find him initially. Then I leaped from a boat into deep water, around five or six meters. I noticed the child lying there, pulled him up, and barely got him to the surface for a breath,” Goga Levian shared with Arttv.
“I did something good; that’s all that matters. My mind is on the children. My own kids are crying right now, so I need to get home. It’s a sad situation…” he said, tears streaming down his face on camera. “To God, children are everything… I’m a foreigner, but I did my part. Race doesn’t matter to me. I hope the children survive. We all worked together in this effort. May God assist them, and may the Virgin Mary help them recover and lead full lives. It’s so unfortunate…”
Shock in the Local Community of Arta
“The river is inherently dangerous and demands respect”
Giorgos Varilis, the Deputy Mayor of Civil Protection, commented: “There were four young people swimming in the river, and two of them got into trouble. Thankfully, citizens intervened and rescued them before the fire department arrived. They were transported to the hospital in critical condition. The river’s dangers must always be taken seriously.”
The Swimming Location
The children were swimming near the bridge pillars at the Arachthos River.
20 Minutes Underwater
The boys were taken to the University General Hospital of Patras by ambulance, escorted by police.
Reports indicate that CT scans revealed significant brain swelling and fluid in the lungs. One of the boys also suffered a neck fracture.
It’s believed they were underwater for at least 20 minutes, and CPR was performed for around 30 minutes. The extended period without oxygen poses serious health risks. Doctors will closely monitor their condition in the next 48 hours, which will be crucial for their recovery.
Timeline of Events
The incident occurred early in the afternoon when four minors entered the Arachthos River to swim. A 14-year-old drifted away, struggling to swim, and was caught by the current. A 15-year-old attempted to save him but became trapped as well. The other two friends quickly sought assistance from nearby citizens, police, and firefighters. Civilians ultimately rescued the two boys using a boat.
Ambulances rushed to the location, and rescuers immediately began CPR. The boys were unconscious when they arrived at the Arta hospital. Fortunately, thanks to the doctors’ efforts, the children regained consciousness.
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