He climbed the gorge to save two people he didn’t know. He didn’t turn back. A 52-year-old firefighter lost his life during a rescue operation for two Italian climbers in the Sideritissa gorge, on Rhodes .
The Fire Department had received a call to rescue two climbers, who had become trapped in a steep rocky part of the canyon. During the rescue operation and their transfer to a safe place, the firefighter slipped and fell from a great height, fatally injuring himself.
An operation to reach and retrieve him from the difficult spot followed. According to the official announcement of the Corps, he was picked up by an EKAB ambulance and transported to the General Hospital of Rhodes , where he was pronounced dead.
An Inquest will be held into the causes and circumstances of death. The physical leadership of the Fire Department expressed its deep sorrow and sincere condolences to his family and loved ones.
“During a rescue operation and transport to a safe place of two foreigners, from a difficult point in the Sideritissa gorge on the island of Rhodes, a firefighter was fatally injured. After being picked up by an EKAB ambulance, he was transferred to the Rhodes General Hospital and his death was confirmed. A Sworn Administrative Examination will be conducted for the causes and circumstances of his death. The physical leadership of the Fire Department expresses its deep sorrow and sincere condolences to the family and relatives of our deceased colleague,” the announcement states.
Mountain rescues are among the most dangerous missions firefighters undertake. Steep terrain, unstable rocks, limited space for movement and the need to transport people who are already in a difficult position create an environment where even the slightest loss of balance can be fatal. The EDE is also expected to examine the issue of equipment and safety procedures followed.
Beyond the procedural aspects, however, the essence remains. A man was killed doing exactly what he had chosen his profession for: to be where others are in danger.
