Two lifeguards averted a potential tragedy off Chloraka on Saturday, rushing to rescue a Russian father and son after their small sailboat struck rocks and was badly damaged, local media reported.
The lifeguards were identified as Alexis Konstantinou and Panayiotis Leonidou.
The incident occurred shortly after 2 p.m. in the sea off Chloraka. The two men, aged about 55 and 22, were trying to approach the area of an artificial reef when heavy swell swept the boat onto the rocks. The vessel was extensively damaged and largely broken apart.
The lifeguards, who were nearby, recognized the danger and went to help, moving the men away from the wrecked boat.
The rescue was not straightforward. The father and son initially refused to leave the vessel despite its condition and the risk from the waves and rocks, the report said.