Pages

Wednesday, July 25, 2018

Cries for help at sea: Fisherman describes Greek fire rescue

RAFINA, Greece (AP) — The cries for help pierced the choking smoke. Dozens of people bobbed in the sea, forced by the vicious flames into the water. Children held onto adults, and people who couldn't swim clung to those who could. That was the scene confronting Tawefik Halil and other fishermen responding to the overwhelmed Greek coast guard's urgent call for help as the deadliest wildfires in decades raged through seaside resorts near Athens. The 42-year-old Halil was among dozens of volunteers who helped save hundreds of people stranded on beaches and in the choppy waters, buffeted by gale-force winds.


READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.sfgate.com