The body of an unidentified toddler girl, estimated to be about three years old, was discovered on a popular Athens beach on Sunday. Dressed in a swimsuit, the young girl was found lying on Edem Beach of Palaio Faliro around 3am, when the beach was still busy with locals and holidaymakers trying to cool down from the heatwave currently baking Greece.
The Hellenic Coast Guard appealed to the public on Sunday (July 27) for information that could shed light on the mystery. No missing children that fit her description have been reported to the authorities and nobody has come forward to claim her. After being notified, police officers rushed to the scene, after which the little girl was transported to the Agia Sophia Children’s Hospital. However, the doctors determined the child was already dead. The initial forensic examination of the 3-year-old girl revealed obvious injuries to her head and body.
The extent of obvious injuries – bruises on her forehead, lips, nose, right nostril, knees, as well as a large bruise on her right shoulder – indicates that she had been in the sea for several hours.
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.
In search of any hint that would help identify the dead toddler, the Greek Coast Guard 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 added, according to the Greek Reporter.
Edem Beach, found on the coast of Palaio Faliro, is one of Athen’s most accessible and organised beaches, offering a convenient and seaside escape from the capital. Just a short distance from the city centre and lined with restaurants and beach bars, it attracts large numbers of visitors year-round.