22 July 2023 , 22:19
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A tourist stranded in Rhodes due to ongoing wildfires say they waited in terror on a beach as holidaymakers fled the flames.
An estimated 10,000 people have evacuated hotels and homes on the Greek island after the raging fire spread to the resorts of Kiotari and Lardo on Saturday, fleeing on boats from two separate beaches.
Around 2,000 people meanwhile were rescued by boats with three coast guard vessels, an army lifeboat, a special forces inflatable craft and 30 private sailboats coming to help with the evacuation.
One of the hotels evacuated was the Gennadi Grand Resort on Gennadi beach, where ominous dark clouds of smoke have gathered.
One woman said people were stranded on the beach "at a dead end" on Saturday evening as they awaited rescue.
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"A stranger has picked us up and taken us to Gennadi beach - or as close to it as they could," the teacher from Calderglen School, Scotland wrote on Twitter. "We’re at a dead end. Hundreds of worried people here."
The teacher added: "I think everyone got out safe but we’re all in random hotels/shops seeking refuge for now Unfortunately no way of knowing what’s happening."
Desperate holidaymakers on the island have demanded information from airlines and tour operators as they wait on answers for what to do next.
People evacuate by boats today (DAMIANIDIS LEFTERIS/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)Jet2 has said staff at its resorts were "working tirelessly" to do everything it could, including directly communicating with stranded individuals, while Tui said it was moving customers in hotels impacted by the fires.
One friend of a family trapped at Rhodes Airport told The Mirror how the three fled the Princess Sun resort in Kiotari on Saturday after staff escaped, leaving them to wait for rescue coaches which didn't show up.
Eileen Mawton and Hannah Gormley, form Liverpool, were among those to flee their hotel after it caught fire - leaving their belongings behind (Hannah Gormley.)Eileen Mawton, daughter Hannah Gormley and her daughter Annabelle, eight, were trapped at Rhodes Airport with no money or passports after managing to get a lift from a Samaritan, friend Glynis Wall said.
“Everyone around them was panicking,” Ms Wall said. “There were children and babies crying and mothers trying to protect them from the smoke.”
She added: “They need to send rescue flights out and get people home. I don't think they'll be wanting to go on holiday again anytime soon.”
Boats were put on by the army and coastguard to evacuate people from the beaches (DAMIANIDIS LEFTERIS/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)Among those with loved ones stuck in the chaos was Geordie Shore star Charlotte Crosby, who said her family members had also had to flee their hotel and leave their belongings behind, fleeing on boats.
"Guys please pray for everyone in Rhodes!" the reality star and influencer tweeted. "My mam dad and Nathaniel are there with so many others stuck on boats in the sea."
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Tourists fled to beaches and awaited rescue from boast as wildfire hit the Rhodes resort if Kiotari on Saturday (AP)A Tui spokesperson said: "We're aware of wildfires in an area in the south of Rhodes and our teams in resort are following advice from the local authorities.
"A small number of hotels have been impacted and as a precaution we're relocating affected customers and providing them with alternative accommodation.
"Flights continue to operate as normal and we will be in contact with customers should their holidays be impacted. Our main priority is always the safety of our customers and we'll continue to keep a close eye on the situation."
Clouds of smoke from the forest fire rise to the sky (AP)A spokeswoman for Jet2 said: “We are aware of the fast-moving situation in Rhodes, and our in-resort teams are working tirelessly to comply with the guidance of local authorities.
"The health, safety and well-being of our customers will always be our number one priority and we ask any customers in affected areas to follow the advice of the local authorities, as well as their hoteliers, who will be acting under the advice of the authorities.
"In addition to our in-resort team, we have a dedicated team set up in the UK who are working hard to ensure we can do everything we can for customers, including sending direct communications to keep them updated.”