A doctor on the condition of a Portuguese woman found after eight hours at sea: "This is truly extraordinary"

Two Portuguese nationals were found in the waters off the island of Krka after eight hours of search efforts, according to local authorities. The pair was located in the early afternoon following their disappearance on Wednesday morning during adverse weather conditions. Both individuals received medical attention and are currently under observation at a regional hospital. The incident took place in the Velebit Channel, near the Croatian coast, where a group of four young people had been traveling in a small rubber boat measuring approximately one and a half meters long. The rescue operation began shortly after 4:40 a.m., when the group was reportedly caught in bad weather. A lifeless boat was later discovered along the shore of Krka Island, prompting a coordinated search effort involving military aircraft and police helicopters. After seven hours, one of the women was found in the bay of Butinj on Krka Island. Two hours later, the male companion was located among the rocks between the Ogrul Bay and the Glavina Headland. Both were taken to the hospital for further evaluation. Medical staff confirmed that the woman who was rescued arrived in stable condition with normal vital signs. According to Dr. Marina Pavletić, a physician at the KBC Rijeka hospital, the patient underwent a comprehensive examination and was admitted for continued monitoring at the Pulmonology Department. She emphasized that the case represented an exceptional survival scenario, noting that the individual had spent between eight and ten hours in the water before being found. Dr. Pavletić described the situation as non-fatal drowning, highlighting the remarkable circumstances of the survivor’s recovery. She stated that the patient had stabilized upon arrival and was currently in a stable clinical state. The doctor expressed her astonishment at the outcome, calling it truly extraordinary. The remaining two members of the group are still missing, and the search continues. Authorities have not yet released additional information regarding their whereabouts or current status. The ongoing operation involves multiple agencies working together to locate the individuals, though no official statement has been made about the likelihood of finding them alive or the extent of their injuries. The incident underscores the dangers associated with maritime travel, particularly in unpredictable weather conditions. The small vessel used by the group appears to have been ill-suited for such conditions, raising concerns about safety practices and preparedness. Local officials have not commented on whether the group had proper equipment or training for such activities. As of now, there is no indication that the missing individuals are in immediate danger, but the search remains active. Further updates are expected as more information becomes available. The case will likely prompt discussions about the need for better safety measures and emergency response protocols in coastal areas frequented by tourists and adventurers.