An Irish woman claims that a young sailor raped her in the sea on the Bačvice Islands, he denies everything from detention: "We bathed naked, I stabbed myself on a reindeer... "

A 21-year-old Norwegian man has been detained under house arrest after being accused of sexually assaulting a 19-year-old Irish tourist at a beach near Bacači on the Split coast, according to reports from local media. The incident occurred on July 19th around midnight, following the pair’s meeting at a night club in Poljud. According to police statements, the young man approached the woman, who had already consumed two shots of vodka mixed with Red Bull, and invited her to a beach club. She agreed and they took a taxi to the shore, where both removed their clothes before entering the water. The woman claims she was assaulted while swimming, describing how the man pulled her toward him, grabbed her hips, and attempted to force sexual contact despite her repeated refusals. She managed to escape his grip, dressed herself, and fled the scene crying. Friends later told her she had wet hair, smudged mascara, and was visibly upset, indicating the emotional distress caused by the encounter. In contrast, the accused denies all allegations, stating that he and the woman were simply swimming together. He claims they had met at the nightclub, drank alcohol, and decided to visit a beach club. Upon arrival, he says he removed his pants and intended to enter the water, but the woman, already naked, encouraged him to join her. He described feeling discomfort in his lower back and leg area, believing the woman might have touched him there. They exited the water, sat on the beach, smoked a cigarette, and waited for a taxi, which arrived after half an hour. He insists they kissed briefly and that this was their only physical contact. Authorities have initiated an investigation into the case, which includes forensic analysis of clothing traces and blood and urine samples from both individuals. These tests could help determine whether one party is telling the truth or fabricating the account. The suspect, currently held under house arrest due to concerns over potential flight risk, is not a Croatian citizen and does not have registered residence or stay in the country. The incident has sparked public concern, particularly among women, with some expressing fear of similar experiences during solo travel. A separate report mentioned a German tourist who alleged sexual assault by a tour guide on a beach, further highlighting ongoing issues of sexual misconduct in tourist areas. Legal proceedings are expected to continue as evidence is gathered and analyzed. Until the results are available, the accused will remain in custody, pending further developments in the case. The outcome of the investigation could provide clarity on the nature of the relationship between the two individuals and whether any criminal charges will be filed.