Storms in the Adriatic Sea: Two Czechs rescued in a U-boat and an Italian couple rescued in a sailboat

Rescue operations unfolded across the Adriatic Sea overnight and early morning after severe weather conditions led to multiple incidents involving foreign nationals and local boaters. In the Velebit Channel, two young Czech citizens were rescued from a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) after being caught in rough seas, while an Italian crew member was pulled from a drifting sailboat. Additionally, a Slovenian sailor collided with a fish farm cage near Long Island, prompting an investigation into the incident. Meanwhile, search efforts continue for three missing Portuguese nationals who set off in a small inflatable boat in the Velebit Channel. The distress call for the two Czechs came in at 21:23 local time through the Gospić County Emergency Response Center, which established direct communication with the callers. Due to poor acoustics caused by the storm, language barriers, and general shock among the callers, authorities had to quickly determine the likely location based on limited information. They identified the probable area as north of Zečevo islet and Mala Luka Bay on Krk Island. By 22:31, officials from the Senj Maritime Authority located the pair on their recreational SUP board and transported them to safety aboard a rescue boat, eventually bringing them to Sv. Juraj. In another incident, around 5:06 a.m., the crew of the motor ferry Barbat, owned by Rapska Plovidba, responded to a distress signal received via the coastal radio station ORP Rijeka-Radio. The signal originated from a 10-meter-long sailboat belonging to a domestic charter company. Two Italian crew members were adrift in the Velebit Channel, near Stinice, due to the strong winds. The ferry crew managed to secure the vessel near the cape of Glavina on the island of Rab, approximately 300 to 400 meters from shore, before towing it toward Mišnjak. Meanwhile, a Slovenian sailor reported a collision with a fish farm cage near Long Island at approximately 2:43 a.m. The incident occurred between Gubac Cape and Žman Cape near the town of Luka. The sailor’s 15-meter-long boat struck the cage, though there were no injuries or marine pollution reported. Officials from the Zadar Maritime Authority and the Salina Marine Post have been notified. Preliminary findings suggest that two Slovenian citizens were aboard the boat during the incident. The skipper has been instructed to undergo further procedures to determine the cause of the maritime accident and will organize a salvage operation for his vessel. Search and rescue efforts are ongoing for three Portuguese nationals who went missing after setting off in a smaller inflatable boat in the Velebit Channel. One woman has already been found in the Butinj Bay on Krk Island, but the whereabouts of the other three remain unknown. Authorities are continuing their search for the remaining individuals. The incidents highlight the dangers faced by recreational boaters and professionals alike during severe weather conditions. The Velebit Channel, known for its challenging currents and unpredictable weather, has become a focal point for such emergencies. Local maritime authorities have emphasized the importance of proper preparation and adherence to safety protocols when navigating these waters. Multiple agencies, including the National Coordination Center for Search and Rescue at Sea, have been involved in managing the response to these incidents. Cooperation between different emergency services has been crucial in ensuring timely rescues and effective investigations. The complexity of each case underscores the need for continued vigilance and preparedness in maritime environments prone to sudden changes in weather. The events have prompted discussions about the adequacy of current safety measures and the necessity for improved coordination among regional maritime authorities. As the investigation into the Slovenian sailor's incident continues, attention will also be given to the broader implications for maritime safety in the region. With the search for the missing Portuguese nationals still underway, the focus remains on locating the remaining individuals and preventing further incidents.