Details of the Rugvica tragedy: A 21-year-old went to bathe and was taken away by Sava, his friends jumped after him to save him...

A young man drowned while swimming in the Sava River near Rugvice, Croatia, after his friends tried to rescue him, authorities confirmed. The incident occurred late yesterday evening, with three Egyptian nationals, two of whom were foreign workers with legal residency, missing after they went for a swim in the area around Okunšćak. Their bodies were found today, with police confirming that all three had died due to drowning. The victim, identified as A.I.M., was 21 years old. According to reports, he was the first to enter the water, likely intending to swim. However, he encountered dangerous conditions, including fast currents and rocky patches along the riverbank. As he began to struggle, his friends, A.M. and M.M.P., jumped into the water to assist him. Despite their efforts, the river carried both men downstream, resulting in their deaths. The third body, belonging to another Egyptian national, was discovered further downriver during ongoing search operations. Emergency services were alerted shortly after the disappearance, with local police launching an immediate investigation. A friend of the victims reported the missing persons to authorities around midday yesterday, revealing that he had last seen them earlier that day before they headed to the river. This prompted a rapid mobilization of resources, including police units, fire departments, and other emergency personnel, who conducted extensive searches along the banks of the Sava and surrounding areas. Search teams worked throughout the night, with initial findings emerging early this morning. Personnel from the Police Department in Lučko recovered two bodies from the river’s surface, while firefighters later located the third body approximately 200 meters downstream. All three deceased individuals were transported to the Forensic Institute for further examination to determine the exact cause of death. The tragedy has left the local community deeply affected, with many residents expressing sorrow and disbelief over the loss of life. Friends and acquaintances of the victims gathered at the scene, some weeping openly as they witnessed the aftermath of the incident. The presence of numerous witnesses and bystanders underscores the emotional impact of the event, which unfolded in a public space frequented by locals and visitors alike. Authorities have not yet released detailed information regarding the exact circumstances leading to the drownings, though preliminary investigations suggest that the combination of strong currents and hazardous terrain played a role. The bodies of the three men will undergo forensic analysis to confirm the nature of their demise. Further inquiries are expected to focus on the conditions of the river section where the incident occurred, as well as the actions taken by the individuals involved. As the investigation continues, the local government has expressed its condolences to the families of the victims and pledged support in the coming days. Emergency services remain on standby, ready to assist with any additional developments related to the case. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the risks associated with recreational activities in natural waterways, particularly in areas known for unpredictable weather and powerful currents.