Two Polish tourists that went missing while attempting to cross the Samaria gorge in Crete were found dead yesterday after a five-day search operation.

The two tourists – a brother and sister – went hiking through the gorge on Saturday as part of a group of 31 Polish tourists. The two, however, failed to meet up with the remaining group members at the end of the day. They were not reported missing until Monday.

Authorities launched a large search operation involving ground forces, sniffer dogs and an airplane.

The Polish man, aged 37, was found alive late on Thursday by a volunteer that took part in the search.

The volunteer offered him first aid and water but 37-year-old, who suffered from epilepsy, died a few hours later before rescue teams could reach him.

The body of his 40-year-old sister was found nearby.