9-year-old boy critical after near-drowning at Marathias beach

A 9-year-old boy is in critical condition at Pyrgos Hospital following a harrowing incident at Marathias beach, where he nearly drowned after swallowing a large quantity of seawater. The event occurred on Friday evening, and the child subsequently lost consciousness under circumstances that remain unclear.

Emergency services, including an ambulance from the National Center for Emergency Care (EKAV), responded swiftly to the scene. The boy was initially transported to Amaliada Hospital, where medical staff made strenuous efforts to revive him. Following their intervention, he was transferred to Pyrgos Hospital for further specialized care.

Dr. Vangelis Dimitropoulos, who was involved in the initial resuscitation efforts, described the critical moments: "When you see a child blue, without a pulse, with his body cold and his belly swollen, as a consequence of drowning, the only thing you think about is that he lives! I did everything I could, I did what was necessary! The child changed color, started crying, gained pressure, pulse, and his eyes opened and closed. How much vindication for a doctor when his fight, his effort, is successful! God willed him to live, and he will live."

The young boy is expected to be transferred to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at the University Hospital of Rio as soon as his condition stabilizes. The incident has understandably caused significant concern, highlighting the dangers present even in seemingly calm beach environments.

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When you see a child blue, without a pulse, with his body cold and his belly swollen, as a consequence of drowning, the only thing you think about is that he lives! I did everything I could, I did what was necessary! The child changed color, started crying, gained pressure, pulse, and his eyes opened and closed. How much vindication for a doctor when his fight, his effort, is successful! God willed him to live, and he will live.