20/10/2006

Two British holidaymakers drown in Rhodes

A British couple, holidaying on the popular Greek island of Rhodes, have drowned while swimming in the sea in stormy weather.

Kieron Conlon, 47 and his wife Frances, 46, from London, died near Lindos in Rhodes during gale force winds and heavy rainfall.

The couple, had two children, and are thought to have been visiting Mr Conlon’s sister and her husband.

“Two people, a man and a woman, have drowned while swimming on a Rhodes beach. They were washed on to the beach by two-metre big waves,” coastguard official Pantelis Michos said.

He also said they had visited the beach with friends who were watching them swim.

South East Greece and the Aegean islands have been struck by strong winds and heavy rainfall for the past week and all ferries have remained docked at the Piraeus port.

“It is strange that these people were out swimming with such weather. They were dragged out by their friends and taken to hospital in Rhodes where their deaths were confirmed,” Michos said.

(JM)

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