Latest news with #KnossosRoyal
Telegraph
7 days ago
- Telegraph
British tourist's son defends Crete hotel staff after pool death
The family of a British woman who died in a swimming pool at a hotel in Crete have defended members of hotel staff who were arrested. Margaret Winifred Davies, 78, lost consciousness in the pool of the five-star Knossos Royal in Hersonissos, on the north coast of the island. Initial reports claimed a 21-year-old lifeguard was absent from her post at the time. She was arrested along with the hotel's director, 51, and its general manager, 41, by Greek police and questioned on suspicion of manslaughter by negligence. They were later released without charge. The British tourist's relatives said there were in fact two lifeguards on duty and both of them helped Mrs Davies. She was pulled from the water and received first aid before being taken to hospital, but was pronounced dead. The family insisted the hotel staff were in no way at fault for her death. They confirmed that staff were questioned by police but said no charges had been laid. 'Our 78-year-old mother passed away tragically while on holiday in Crete at the Knossos Royal hotel. While we would have liked to grieve in private, we feel compelled to address some of the misleading reporting that has been published in recent days,' said Paul Davies, her son. 'We are awaiting the results of the autopsy so cannot comment on the cause of death, but we would like to make clear that we do not hold the hotel responsible. Winifred got out of the pool herself and was assisted by two on-duty lifeguards. 'We would like to thank the hotel and the British consulate for their support. We ask that our privacy be respected at this painful time.' In a statement, the Knossos Royal expressed its 'sincere condolences and deepest sympathy' to the family and denied any wrongdoing. 'From the very first moment we were informed about the guest's discomfort, the hotel management responded to the incident with complete responsibility, seriousness, and professionalism, providing immediate assistance, support, and every possible medical aid to her. This response was recognised and appreciated by the family.' Under investigation Hotel managers said the matter was under investigation and the cause of death would be clarified when a forensic report was released. 'According to current medical assessments, the guest's death is attributed to pathological causes, with no indication of external negligence,' their statement said. The hotel occupies a prime position on the northern coast of Crete. Its website says the venue boasts several swimming pools, which are 'designed to appeal to all senses and play an important role in the resort's architectural structure'.
Telegraph
04-08-2025
- Telegraph
British woman who died in Crete swimming pool named
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.
