Sailing coaches at the ILCA 4 Youth World Championships in Volos, Greece, have been hailed as heroes after they saved over 130 people from wildfires.
The coaches witnessed the scene from across the water as racing concluded and quickly sprang into action.
They grabbed bottles of drinking water and headed for the nearby village to evacuate residents and local native wildlife from the beach after fires blocked all exits from the area on the mainland.
The coaches then travelled the 10 miles across the bay to Nea Anchialos, Magnesia, at full speed.
Around 60 boats saved more than 130 people from the beach and returned them to Volos.
The rescue has been praised by Andrus Poksi, Field Operations Officer at the International Laser Class Association, who said, “The selfless and quick reaction of the coaches was inspiring to see. The contribution of the coaches to help the local people shows that sailing is a sport where teamwork and camaraderie shine through in even the most challenging circumstances.”
The city of Volos is now considered to be the safest place in the area, and all sailors and coaches are unharmed.
Ireland is represented at the 440 boat boys and girls championships by 21 youth sailors. Entry list here.