Albanian hero dies who saved 70 Greeks from fires

The 70-year-old man has long struggled with cancer, while Greek media report that he has permanently closed his eyes.

Greece's prime minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who wrote: “Costas Arvaniti was an example of solidarity and separation from life filled us all with sadness. His burial will be public expense. It is a small act of gratitude to all of us for the bravery he showed on the night of tragedy when he twice rescued 70 people”, reports BW.

How did the fisherman become Greece's hero?

When the calendar marked July 23, Arvanitis must be at a party to celebrate his birthday with his wife and family. Instead of celebrating, Arvanitis did not hesitate a minute to take his fishing boat and rush to rescue dozens of people stranded on Matt's shores.

On board helping the fisherman was his wife, Chryssa, son Dimitris, and Egyptian employee Mahmout Messafer.

I wasn't able to manage pain, despair and grief when every person I knew was burned and shot. I haven't spoken much about what I experienced that night, as I couldn't afford the pain and despair”, the Albanian said after the event.

A year ago, Greece faced one of the most devastating fires ever seen, from which 103 people lost their lives, including three Albanians.