Missing farmer’s tractor and body recovered from river in Muratlı Village
The tractor and body of 84-year-old farmer Salih Ali Hatip, who went missing after attempting to cross a river, were recovered on the eighth day of search operations in Muratlı village, part of the Maronya–Sapes Municipality in Greece’s Rhodope regional unit.
Early on Thursday morning (January 15), rescue teams located the tractor overturned in the lower section of the river crossing. Following intensive efforts by heavy machinery, the tractor was lifted from the riverbed, where Hatip’s body was found inside.
After on-site examinations, Hatip’s body was transferred to the Komotini State Hospital morgue for an autopsy.
Search and recovery efforts were supported by units from the Komotini Fire Service, while the operation to retrieve the tractor was closely monitored by Maronya–Sapes Mayor Apostolos Ioannou and Deputy Mayor for Civil Protection Ali Topal Mehmet.
Salih Ali Hatip had left his home on the morning of January 7 with his tractor and had not been heard from since. On the same day, authorities reported that severe rainfall in the region had caused river water levels and flow rates to rise to dangerous levels.
Since the day of his disappearance, residents of Muratlı village demonstrated strong community solidarity, actively supporting search and rescue efforts over several days.
Official investigations into the incident are ongoing.
