Rescue effort to move eight trapped workers out of Samaria Gorge set for Wednesday

Rescue crews plan to attempt on Wednesday to move eight workers who remain trapped in the Samaria settlement toward the gorge’s north exit, as floodwaters are expected to recede significantly, according to ERT Chania.

Gorge staff entered from the north entrance on Tuesday and inspected the route up to the 4th kilometre, finding extensive damage. Video and photographs from ERT Chania show the path “disappeared” in many places under rocks, tree trunks and large amounts of debris, with trees also swept away by the force of the water. The damage was described as so severe that even experienced workers struggled to move through several sections, with rocks audibly giving way underfoot in the footage.

Based on initial assessments, it is considered extremely difficult for Samaria Gorge to reopen for this year’s tourist season, given the extent of the damage to the path and several points along the route.

Plan for Wednesday

Wednesday is expected to be a critical day for the eight workers who remain trapped in the Samaria settlement. ERT Chania reports that an attempt will be made tomorrow to move them toward the gorge’s north exit, as water levels are expected to have dropped substantially by then. On Tuesday, access was established up to the 2nd kilometre, allowing a mule to reach that point and carry supplies. Efforts will continue on Wednesday with the aim of gradually opening the route and advancing the operation toward the settlement.

Workers moving through the gorge will stay in continuous radio contact with the eight trapped individuals to coordinate and share updates on the condition of the route. The hope is that the two groups will meet along the way and exit the badly damaged gorge safely, following the earlier reports that floodwaters had blocked their exit path.

If the operation proceeds smoothly, only one mule will remain in the Samaria settlement. The animal has been trapped there and cared for by the eight workers throughout the ordeal, but its stay is not expected to last much longer: in the coming days, an attempt will be made to remove it safely from the settlement as well.