The Hellenic Coast Guard appealed to the public on Sunday for information that could shed light on the discovery of an unidentified dead toddler girl on a popular Athens beach.
Dressed in a swimsuit, the body of the little girl, estimated to be about three years old, was found lying on Edem Beach of Palaio Faliro after 3 am. No missing children that fit her description have been reported to the authorities and nobody has come forward to claim her either.
Authorities were reportedly notified about the child’s body while the beach was busy with people trying to cool down from the heatwave throughout the night.
Police officers rushed to the scene, while an ambulance transported the little girl to the “Agia Sophia” Children’s Hospital. Unfortunately, the doctors determined that the child was already dead.
The initial forensic examination of the 3-year-old girl revealed obvious injuries to her head and body, indicating she had been in the sea for a few hours. Specifically, the initial examination revealed bruises on her forehead, lips, nose, right nostril, and knees, as well as a large bruise on her right shoulder.
The girl was also noted to be extremely thin, almost emaciated. Investigators are currently considering the possibility that she was thrown from a boat.
The autopsy is expected to be completed on Tuesday, when there will be a clearer picture of the causes of her death.
Authorities appeal for information to identify dead toddler
In search of any hint that would help identify the dead toddler, the Greek Coastguard issued an appeal on Sunday afternoon.
“The child was wearing a long-sleeved, full-body swimsuit of turquoise blue and fuchsia color,” the announcement reads. The toddler is described as slim, with short brown hair and olive-toned skin.
“Any citizen who knows anything related to the identity of the child, her family, or any other information that could help in the investigation of the incident is kindly requested to contact the First Port Department of Flisvos immediately at 210-9829759, or the Saronic Gulf Port Authority at 210-8946326,” it concluded.
Edem Beach, nestled along the coastline of Palaio Faliro, is one of Athens’ most accessible and organized beaches. Stretching parallel to the pedestrian street, it offers a convenient and free seaside escape. Its prime location, just a short distance from the city center, makes it a popular spot that attracts visitors year-round.
The seashore of Edem is a well-organized beach, given that a large portion of its shore is filled with sunbed pairs and parasols for rent, though there is plenty of non-organized space for free-of-charge use of the beach. In addition, there are a handful of restaurants and beachside bars near Edem Beach.
