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Storm coming up on the beach of Chalkidiki, Greece (2008)
Photo: ARIS MESSINIS/ AFP
A tourist from North Macedonia who had been missing in the Aegean since Saturday was extremely lucky: a passing freighter discovered the man on Sunday 14 nautical miles off the Greek peninsula of Chalkidiki in the open sea.
The vacationer had gone swimming with two friends in strong winds and waves, as reported by Greek public television, citing the coast guard.
The waves and the current would have driven the trio into the open sea.
The rescued then swam in the sea for 19 hours before he was finally rescued.
A surfer had previously discovered the second swimmer and brought him to safety on Saturday, as the broadcaster further reported.
The third man is still missing, and an extensive search was ongoing Sunday afternoon.
Heavy storms, winds and rain caused problems in almost all of Greece at the weekend.
However, many residents welcomed the heavy rains.
In Greece, the risk of forest fires had recently increased significantly after it had been very hot and dry for a long time.
Last Thursday, the fire brigade reported 378 forest fires within seven days.
According to the authorities, the risk of fire after the storm is low for the time being.
him/dpa