Body found amid Greece fire recovery effort

RAFINA, Greece — Coast guard divers recovered a body Monday near an area of Greece ravaged by a deadly wildfire a week ago, as the search for more victims focused on the coastline where hundreds of people were forced to flee.

The official death toll from the blaze some 18 miles east of Athens remained at 91 while authorities confirmed that the body found offshore was related to the fire.

The coast guard has mobilized massive resources in its search for potential victims of the July 23 fire, the deadliest in Greece’s recent history. Coast guard patrol vessels, helicopters and a navy frigate have scoured the southern Euboean Gulf since some people trying to escape fast-moving flames raced to the water.

They have been joined by coast guard special operations forces, which include divers able to reach depths of 120 meters and using underwater scooters to cover greater distances.

A research vessel equipped with specialized sonar and a remotely operated underwater vehicle also was deployed, while dozens of civilian and retired naval divers have joined the search as volunteers.

Fanned by high winds, the blaze gutted seaside resorts where many Athens residents and retirees have holiday homes.

The high death toll has prompted criticism of the government over the absence of access roads, warning systems and other civil protection measures in residential areas surrounded by forest that are at high riskofwildfires.