A new meteor tsunami on the Croatian coast: the phenomenon recorded in Lošinj

A severe storm battered the northern Adriatic coast of the island of Ugljan, leaving multiple boats stranded on the shore and causing widespread damage. At least ten vessels, including yachts, catamarans, and smaller motorboats, were washed ashore during the intense weather conditions. The crew members, numbering around 50, were reportedly unharmed despite the chaos. Local residents, who had been alerted to the approaching storm, rushed to assist the stranded sailors, providing them with tea and coffee in a nearby bar. The storm struck late into the night, with winds reaching speeds of up to 100 kilometers per hour. The worst of the tempest occurred around three in the morning, when the powerful gales swept everything before them. According to Žarko Mrkobrada, a local council representative, seven large yachts were damaged, with approximately 50 people onboard. He described how the sailors had to jump from their vessels and seek shelter in the bar, where locals offered them warmth and refreshments. Mrkobrada noted that while such storms have occurred before, this was the most severe he had witnessed in his lifetime. Local reports indicate that several structures were also affected by the storm. A tree near a confectionery was felled, and heavy wooden tables were carried away from one house. Strewn across the streets were broken branches, stones, and other debris. One resident told Morski.hr that the crew members had left their boats themselves, and no injuries were reported. Another local, speaking to the same outlet, mentioned that the storm had not lasted through the day, which was fortunate, as it would have caused even more damage. Residents on the island expressed relief that the storm had passed without resulting in serious harm. A Slovenian tourist staying on the island remarked on the intensity of the wind, comparing it to hurricanes she had experienced in Florida. She described feeling genuinely frightened by the force of the waves and the speed of the gusts. Meanwhile, another local, who owns property on the island, noted that the storm had not escalated beyond its current level, which was a blessing. The incident has raised concerns among locals about the increasing frequency of extreme weather events. One resident, commenting on Facebook, stated that such severe storms are becoming more common on the island, particularly during the summer months. This aligns with broader observations of changing climate patterns affecting coastal regions. The difficulty of rescuing the stranded vessels was compounded by the shallow waters along parts of the coastline, making operations challenging. Efforts to recover the damaged boats and assess the extent of the damage continue. While the immediate danger has passed, the community remains vigilant, aware that such events could become more frequent in the future. The storm serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of the sea and the need for continued preparedness. As the sun rises over the island, the remnants of the storm linger, both physically and in the minds of those who lived through it.