'Terrible, terrible for these people. 'They say they were two brothers and a cousin.'

Three bodies have been recovered from the Sava River near Rugvica following a tragic incident involving three Egyptian nationals who went missing after swimming in the river. The search, conducted by members of the Antiterrorist Unit Lučko and local emergency services, concluded with the recovery of all three victims early this morning. According to officials, the individuals were identified as two brothers and their younger sibling. Their bodies were found in different parts of the river over the course of several hours. The search began immediately after the disappearance was reported late Monday evening. Local authorities, including firefighters, police, and volunteers from the Croatian Red Cross, worked tirelessly through the night and into Tuesday morning. The effort involved scanning a stretch of the river spanning 27 kilometers, from Okunšćak to the border with the Sisak-Moslavina county. Firefighters used four boats and 16 personnel to comb the shoreline, recovering personal items believed to belong to the missing men. These included clothing and equipment suggesting they had been grilling food before entering the water. Mario Popović, commander of the fire department in the municipality of Rugvica, described the operation as highly demanding. He noted that the victims' belongings were found along the bank, indicating they had stripped down to swimwear before entering the river. “They practically remained only in swimsuits,” he said. The search was halted around 9 p.m. Monday due to adverse weather conditions, though efforts resumed early Tuesday. The disappearance came to light after a friend of the three men reported them missing to the Zagreb County Police Department late Monday afternoon. The individuals were known to have legal residency in Croatia and had last been seen heading toward the Sava River for a swim. Authorities believe the men were capable swimmers, yet an unknown factor led to their drowning. One plausible scenario involves one person attempting to assist another, which could have resulted in all three being unable to escape the current. Dario Kezerić, head of the Zagreb County Fire Service, warned of the unpredictable nature of the Sava River. Strong currents, fast-moving sections, and hidden whirlpools pose serious risks to both civilians and rescue workers. “It’s extremely difficult to search when you don’t know whether people are still alive, whether you’ll find them in time, or if you’ll arrive too late,” he explained. He emphasized the dangers of entering such waters alone or without proper preparation. Firefighter commander Popović reiterated the importance of safety measures during water activities. He advised that anyone attempting to rescue someone in distress should ideally involve at least two people or call emergency services immediately. “A person struggling to stay afloat can easily endanger the one trying to help,” he said. Local residents expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy. Đurđica from Rugvica described the situation as heartbreaking. “It’s terrible, terrible for these people. I feel so sorry for them,” she said. Another resident, Kaja, shared similar sentiments, noting that the victims were described as two brothers and their younger brother. She mentioned that some of their belongings, including items related to a barbecue, were found on the shore, suggesting they had prepared for a casual outing before entering the river. Authorities continue to investigate the exact circumstances surrounding the incident, though no further details have emerged. The case serves as a grim reminder of the potential hazards associated with recreational activities near large bodies of water, particularly rivers known for their powerful currents and unpredictable flow. Emergency services urge the public to exercise caution and adhere to safety guidelines when engaging in such activities.