Two Boys Critical After Near-Drowning in Greece’s Arachthos River

Two boys, aged 12 and 15, are in critical condition in a pediatric intensive care unit after nearly drowning while swimming in the Arachthos River over the weekend.

Authorities reported the near-fatal incident as a passerby bravely intervened to rescue the struggling youths.

The boys were airlifted to the University Hospital of Rio and placed on ventilators late Sunday after receiving initial treatment at Arta General

Hospital. Scans on one victim revealed extensive brain swelling, water in the lungs, and a fractured neck, according to local media reports.

The two, part of a group of four friends, had spent the afternoon bathing at a deep section of the Arachthos River they frequently visited.

When the 12-year-old lost consciousness, Mr. Goga Levian, a passerby, immediately dove in to rescue him.

"I pulled out one child and then went back for the other," Mr. Levian told Arttv Channel. "It was very deep. I saw the boy lying face down, grabbed him and brought him to shore with great difficulty."

Residents assisted in the rescue using boats and ropes. Emergency responders performed CPR on the boys until they regained a pulse before they were transported for medical care.

Mr. Levian, who became emotional describing the rescue, said, "I’m a stranger here, but I would do anything for my own children. I hope they recover. They’re just children."

Local police are investigating the incident, but no foul play is suspected. — Mara Georgiadis contributed reporting from Patras.

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Two Boys Critical After Near-Drowning,Greece’s Arachthos River