The health condition of the 23-year-old man from Portugal—who was pulled unconscious from the seabed near Zakynthos and required nearly 80 minutes of continuous cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)—has significantly improved, according to official updates. Speaking on Thursday, 27 August 2026, Michalis Giannakos, President of the Panhellenic Medical Association (POEDIN), confirmed that the young man, currently hospitalized at Zakynthos General Hospital, is now out of danger. He has been successfully extubated and demonstrates clear, responsive communication.
A Family’s Agony Turns to Relief
His parents and sister remain by his side around the clock. Having endured days of intense anxiety and emotional distress following the incident, they have now transitioned into profound relief and joy. Giannakos praised the hospital’s medical team, calling their efforts a ‘medical miracle’ and offering heartfelt congratulations to the doctors and nurses at Zakynthos General Hospital.
How the Rescue Unfolded
The incident occurred on 21 August 2026, when Álvaro—a young Portuguese national—fell from a boat into the sea off Zakynthos and failed to resurface. His parents’ desperate cries for help were heard by a 70-year-old local fisherman who happened to be nearby aboard his own vessel. Without hesitation, he dove into the water and, after approximately 10 minutes, retrieved the young man from a depth of 12 meters—unconscious and unresponsive.
A physician who happened to be aboard one of the two boats at the scene immediately began CPR. The life-saving effort continued uninterrupted—first aboard a Hellenic Coast Guard vessel en route to shore, then on land upon arrival, and later by EKAB emergency responders who took over shortly after. Once at the hospital, the patient was intubated and transferred to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for critical monitoring and treatment.
This case highlights both the extraordinary dedication of first responders and healthcare professionals in Greece’s island communities—and the vital role of timely intervention in drowning emergencies.