From Premantua to Hvar: a series of naval interventions with no casualties

Coordinated maritime interventions took place across the Istrian and Dalmatian waters today with no casualties or injuries reported, according to Croatian media reports. The National Center for Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination (MRCC Rijeka) coordinated efforts in collaboration with the Port Captaincy in Pula, responding to two incidents involving vessels in the western part of the Istrian territorial sea. At approximately 2:18 pm local time, a fire broke out aboard an eight-meter-long boat near the bay of Valmižeja, close to Premantura. Firefighters from the Public Fire Department in Pula arrived on the scene, but despite their efforts, the vessel, bearing the Croatian flag and owned by a citizen of the Republic of Croatia, sank at 4:35 pm. Floating barriers were deployed around the site to prevent potential marine pollution. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Port Captaincy in Pula. Simultaneously, a fishing vessel belonging to the company Plovput was rescued in Pula port after it began taking in water during its stay at anchor. Firefighters pumped water from the hold, and the ingress of seawater was stopped by 4:15 pm. After technical repairs, the vessel remained secured at anchor. No marine pollution was recorded. In another incident, the removal of wreckage from a two-masted sailboat that sank in July following a fire off Hvar was completed. The wreckage, measuring 18.43 meters in length, was lifted from the sea and towed to the Split Northern Harbor for disposal. Following the removal, the underwater environment was cleaned of debris, and no pollution was noted. Throughout the day, officials from port captaincies conducted seven emergency medical transports of patients from Croatian islands to the mainland. Since the beginning of July, a total of 30 such operations have been carried out. These MEDICO missions are performed by port authority staff upon request and instruction from health professionals. The activities underscore the ongoing coordination between maritime authorities and rescue services in addressing emergencies at sea. The absence of injuries and environmental damage highlights the effectiveness of current response protocols. Further details on the causes of the fires and the status of the affected vessels will likely emerge in the coming days as investigations continue.