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British journalist, coast guard unable to save man who drove into sea at Rafina

British journalist, coast guard unable to save man who drove into sea at Rafina

A British journalist was among those who tried to save a 70-year-old man whose car plunged into the sea at the port of Rafina on Sunday but were unable to save the pensioner, who drowned.

ITN journalist Tom Bradby, who was recently names as the main presenter of ITV’s News at Ten, tweeted about his experience. He said that he dived into the sea to try and rescue the man, who he claims drove into the sea to kill himself.

“Just watched an elderly man commit suicide in Greece by driving his car off the harbour wall in Rafina,” tweeted the journalist. “Dived in, tried to help, couldn't get him out. Completely shocking.”

Bradby also claimed there was a poor response from the authorities present.

“Of the nine or 10 customs officials and police on the quay only one went in to try and get him out as the car sank.

“The rest watched. Jesus … Am shaking with shock and anger. So much for the Greek holiday trade being business as usual.”

In a statement, authorities said that coast guard officers and two citizens tried to rescue the unnamed man. They were unable to help and frogmen had to be called, by which time the man had drowned.

The coast guard did not confirm that the 70-year-old had intended to drive into the sea and said that the causes of his death were under investigation.

A man died in similar circumstances at the port of Rafina in June.

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