Disturbing footage has surfaced from the challenging rescue operation conducted in the Tryfos Gorge near Vonitsa in Aetolia-Acarnania, where a 40-year-old man lost his life during a canyoning excursion. The images, captured by PatraPress.gr, show dramatic efforts by EMAC (Hellenic Special Unit for Disaster Response) personnel navigating fast-flowing waters and treacherous terrain inside the gorge. His body was recovered just before noon on Thursday, 2 July 2026.
A Tragic Canyoning Trip
The man, accompanied by a friend, had entered the demanding gorge on Wednesday, 1 July 2026. Under circumstances currently under investigation, the 40-year-old — who was leading the way — suddenly disappeared from his friend’s sight. The friend began searching immediately and, minutes later, reportedly found his companion’s backpack in the river — but no trace of the man himself. Realising the severity of the situation, he called emergency services at 112.
Multi-Agency Rescue Effort
The Fire Service’s Operations Centre coordinated the response. An initial seven-member rapid-water rescue team from the 6th EMAC unit in Patras arrived early Thursday morning and was soon reinforced by a six-member mountain rescue team from the same unit. Personnel from the 6th EMODe (Forest Protection Unit) in Patras also joined the operation, alongside a specialised drone unit (S.m.i.E.A.) from the Western Greece Region, which provided aerial surveillance and assisted in locating the missing man.
Under extremely difficult conditions, rescuers managed to reach and extract the second man, who sustained minor injuries and was transported by ambulance to the Agrinio General Hospital. Tragically, fears for the 40-year-old were confirmed: he was recovered unconscious from the gorge’s rugged passages. His body was taken to the hospital, and authorities have launched a preliminary investigation into the exact cause of the accident.