Vardousia: The three mountaineers and a woman were found unresponsive

The three mountaineers who had been missing since Christmas morning (25/12) in the snow-covered Vardousia Mountains in mountainous Fokida were found unresponsive late on Friday afternoon (26/12).

According to information from ERT, the three missing men were found under an avalanche, while with them was also found, likewise unresponsive, a woman who is believed to be the partner of one of the mountaineers.

The most likely scenario is that the four people were swept away by an avalanche, as the snow in the area reportedly reached up to knee height — a condition considered particularly dangerous in such terrain.

It is recalled that a large rescue operation by EMAK had been set up, using a drone and trained dogs to locate and rescue them.

Anxiety had peaked, and rescuers had expressed hope that the mountaineers might have found safe shelter, as extreme weather conditions prevail in the area.
Rescue teams and volunteers battled against time for two days in the Vardousia Mountains.

The three men, who were visiting the area, set off by car on Christmas morning heading to Vardousia in order to go hiking. Since then, there had been no sign of life from them.

Their vehicle was located on Thursday (25/12) by the forces participating in the search, but no trace was found that could lead to locating them. At the same time, their mobile phones were out of network coverage, making any attempt at communication impossible.

Checks were also carried out at both mountain refuges in the area, without finding any sign of the mountaineers.

It is noted that the Vardousia area is a particularly demanding climbing destination, which in winter does not forgive mistakes — even from the most experienced.