British paddleboarder killed by lightning strike as father left ‘heartbroken’

Greek officials named Scott as the victim killed by the lightning strike whilst his girlfriend was allegedly filming him out at sea.

Scott, a keen sportsman who had trained to be a civil engineer, reportedly spoke Greek and was a regular visitor to the family’s holiday home. When he wasn’t in Greece, Scott lived with his father and sister Layla in a large bungalow in Liverpool.

Speaking to MailOnline, a family friend said: “I spoke to this dad and he told me Scott had been electrocuted.

“He said he was distraught. Steve couldn’t say anymore. He’s heartbroken. His sister flew out there last night to be with the rest of the family.”

The friend added: “Scott was a lovely guy and really popular. He used to live in Greece with family and spoke Greek.

“He loved it there but now they go and visit their holiday home there and live back here now.”

Scott died at the scene after his girlfriend, a Brazilian resident, and emergency services reportedly attempted to revive him.

Brazilian Wander Machado, 47, who was at the beach at the time told Greek news outlet Rodiaki what he saw as he tried to rescue Scott and get him to shore.

He said: “I swam to get him out. But once I reached the board, I saw his body crouched over and face down on the board.”

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He added: “His face had turned purple. I immediately knew that every second was crucial and started pulling him to the shore.”

Mr Machado added: “I was worried that the same thing would happen to me as it was still raining, but I didn’t stop.

“The rescuers arrived shortly afterwards and performed all the resuscitation procedures to keep him alive. Unfortunately, I found out a little later that he didn’t make it.”

It has been reported that fellow tourists urged Scott to leave the water when he encountered difficulties at around 1.30pm local time.

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Other beachgoers and his girlfriend reportedly called for help after he was struck by lightning. After he was struck, he was pulled from the water, and “still alive” according to some witnesses.

Despite the efforts of paramedics and ambulance crews, he died and was later taken to Archangelos Health Centre.

According to Rodiaki, an investigation by the Central Port Authority of Rhodes has been launched.

A spokesperson for the FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office) said: “We are supporting the family of a British man who has died in Rhodes and are in contact with local authorities.”

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