A girl who was on holiday with her family is now fighting for her life in hospital after reportedly being left unattended in a hotel pool in Rhodes.
According to police, the youngster was found at around 12noon a the hotel in Lardos, on the Greek holiday island. The tot was reportedly seen on CCTV entering the pool alone, and around 10 minutes later a sunbather spotted the youngster in the water.
The woman – thought to be a British doctor – jumped in to help the three-year-old girl, dragged her out and started giving life-saving CPR, while emergency services were called. Medics attempted to stabilise the youngster before taking her to Rhodes Hospital in a critical condition.
She was later airlifted to the University Hospital in Heraklion, Crete, where neurosurgeons performed an operation to relieve pressure on her brain, according to the local press. She remains in the intensive care unit.
Police in Rhodes say the girl’s uncle, who was supposed to be supervising her, and the travel agency manager, responsible for hotel guests, were arrested two hours later. They have since appeared in front of the Rhodes District Court Prosecutor and were charged.
Michalis Sokorelos, director of Rhodes Hospital, said the child had “obviously stayed in the water for a long time” and was “not reacting at all” when brought in.
The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office is support to the girl’s family and is in contact with Greek authorities.