A conflict over lounge chairs turned deadly at Vouliagmeni Beach, south of Athens. An 82-year-old man and a 76-year-old man engaged in a heated dispute on the morning of September 20, as reported by Kathimerini.
The argument began when the older man attempted to reserve a seat for his group. Shouts filled the air, grabbing the attention of beachgoers. During the altercation, the 82-year-old suffered cardiac arrest and collapsed. Despite being rushed to a local hospital, he passed away.
The 76-year-old man was taken into custody for causing fatal bodily harm. Authorities also arrested a 21-year-old woman with him for verbal abuse and aiding in the incident. She was soon released despite sustaining facial injuries.
The fight revolved around six sunbeds. The younger man and woman had bought tickets and claimed two loungers. However, the 82-year-old insisted the space was reserved for his friends.
Witnesses recounted the incident to the BBC, marking it as unnecessary violence over beach furniture. A nurse on the beach attempted CPR, but the man was declared dead at 11 a.m. at Asklepieion Hospital in Voula.
Authorities have ordered a postmortem to establish the exact cause of death. Vouliagmeni Beach is a popular spot, attracting up to 8,000 visitors daily, leading to tension and overcrowding.
This tragic event highlights broader tensions in Greece regarding beach access. Earlier this year, the government initiated a crackdown on businesses monopolizing public coastlines, using technology to enforce regulations against illegal sunbeds.
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