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British woman who died in Crete swimming pool named

British woman who died in Crete swimming pool named

Telegraph2 days ago
A British woman who died in a hotel swimming pool in Crete has been named as Margaret Winifred Davies.
The 78-year-old tourist was staying at the five-star Knossos Royal hotel in the town of Hersonissos when she lost consciousness.
She was dragged from the water and received first aid before being taken to hospital, but was pronounced dead.
Three people have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter by negligence, including a 21-year-old female lifeguard who was supposed to be on duty at the time.
The Cretapost website reported that the lifeguard was not at her post at the time of the incident.
The hotel's director, 51, and general manager, 41, were also arrested.
All three suspects have been released.
Safety complaints
The hotel occupies a prime position on the northern coast of Crete and promises 'rolling lawns, lush landscaping and impeccable facilities', according to its website.
It boasts several swimming pools, which are 'designed to appeal to all senses and play an important role in the resort's architectural structure'.
While the hotel generally garners good reviews, one guest on Tripadvisor commented: 'I do feel maybe there should be more proactive safety measures in place of an evening regarding people using the pools late at night.
'That doesn't feel safe to me, that people use the pools for a late night swim and there is no one paying attention to this.'
A spokesman for the Knossos Royal told The Telegraph: 'We are not in a position to make any statement.'
A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office spokesman said: 'We are supporting the family of a British woman who died in Crete and are in touch with local authorities.'
The incident comes after a British tourist was found dead on his sun lounger on a beach near Hersonissos on July 20.
The 74-year-old man had lost consciousness shortly after going swimming in the sea on Stalis Beach and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Meanwhile, a search for a British woman is continuing after she went missing from a beach in northern Greece.
Michele Bourda, 59, is reported to have disappeared while her husband slept on a beach in Kavala.
Her family raised the alarm, but police have so far been unable to find her.
She had been swimming at midday on Friday and was wearing a two-piece swimsuit featuring rhinestones, as well as yellow beach shoes and red bone-rimmed sunglasses when she went missing.
According to local media, she lived with her husband, who is of Greek origin.
She had reportedly gone to the beach with him and disappeared while he was sleeping on a deckchair.
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