Two boys rescued from Arachthos River still in intensive care
Two boys rescued from Arachthos River are fighting for their lives after a dramatic near-drowning on Wednesday afternoon near Neochori, western Greece. The teenagers, aged 14 and 15, were underwater for at least 20 minutes before being pulled unconscious from the river by citizens using a boat. Both were resuscitated at the scene and remain intubated in intensive care.
According to doctors, the situation is extremely serious. Initial scans revealed extensive brain swelling, fluid in the lungs, and in one case, a fractured neck. The boys were transferred from Arta General Hospital to the University Hospital of Patras under police escort, where they are receiving aggressive treatment. “The next 48 hours are critical,” doctors stated, noting that therapy is focused on preserving brain, lung, and kidney function.
How the incident unfolded
The tragedy occurred when four boys went swimming near the Arachthos River bridge. The 14-year-old, who reportedly could not swim well, was pulled under by the current. The 15-year-old jumped in to help but was also swept away. The remaining two boys immediately ran to call for help, alerting both passers-by and emergency services.
One of the first on the scene was Levian Goga, a local man who described his harrowing experience in tears. “I was at the café when someone came shouting that two children were drowning. I got in my car and rushed over. Without thinking, I jumped straight into the river. I dove about 8 metres. On my second dive, I found the first boy. We gave him breaths- water poured from his mouth and nose. Then we were told there was a second child.”
“The second one was deeper. A bus driver came to help. Together we brought him up, and again gave breaths. That child bled from his mouth and nose. I was in shock. I know one of them- he’s the same age as my daughter. I didn’t think about my life, just about saving them,” Goga said.
His voice breaking, he added: “I’m a stranger here. I don’t care what race or background they are- they’re children. I just hope they live.”
CPR and emergency response
Ambulances from EKAV arrived quickly and took over, performing 30 minutes of CPR on both boys before transferring them to Arta Hospital. Witnesses said the boys had no pulse when pulled from the water, but doctors managed to temporarily restore their vital signs before intubating them.
Authorities noted the boys had been swimming near the base of a bridge, a dangerous area with strong currents. Deputy Mayor for Civil Protection, Giorgos Varilis, said: “The river is always dangerous. It demands caution and respect.”
Community in shock
The incident has shaken the local community, with prayers and vigils already forming in support of the boys and their families. Officials are investigating the circumstances, including whether any safety warnings or barriers were in place at the site.
The condition of the boys rescued from Arachthos River remains critical. Doctors say the coming hours will determine whether they can recover from the trauma caused by prolonged oxygen deprivation.
Read also: Arachthos River incident: Two children found unresponsive
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