The body of Jean Hanlon was discovered in Heraklion harbour in Crete on March 13, 2009, after she went missing four days earlier.
The original post-mortem concluded the 53-year-old had drowned, but information later emerged that she had injuries consistent with a struggle.
Jean’s family have campaigned for a number of years for her death to be reinvestigated by Greek authorities.
They travelled to the town where she died in 2019, ten years after her death, to make a fresh public appeal in hope of uncovering new information about the death of their mother.
Now there is renewed hope of a breakthrough after Greek police confirmed they have reopened the case into her death.
It is the third time, in the 12 years since the death of Jean, that Greek authorities have reopened the case.
Her son, Michael Porter, said: “After a year of exploring and pursuing a new direction, it is with great joy and happiness to say that it has paid off and delivered the outcome we wanted.
“This puts the case in a better place as mum at last will get the proper full investigation, with a new more professional and experienced department, that she so rightly deserves.
“We have been here before, but this time really is a big breakthrough and potentially ground-breaking.
“We’re taking the lead and guidance from our lawyer, but even he is very excited about this. He has said this is a big thing for us. It’s a lot different from the other two times when the case was open.”
Michael and his family are now waiting for an update on what the next steps are from Greek authorities.
He added: “I want to thank everyone supporting us, including members of the Justice For Jean group. Without those people, we wouldn’t be where we are.
“It’s nice to know that we have such a huge backing and support behind Justice For Jean.”
