Šipan line d.o.o. from Dubrovnik has nothing to do with the shipwreck in Montenegro

A Croatian company based in Dubrovnik has denied any connection to a recent maritime accident in Montenegro, following claims that its glider was mistakenly used in a news story about the incident. The company, Šipan line d.o.o., stated that neither it nor its vessels or employees were involved in the tragic event. The confusion arose from the use of a photo of one of its gliders in a news article published by tportal on July 13, 2026. The article, titled “Accident in Plava Spilja: Glider Seriously Injured British Tourist,” described a severe traffic accident in Montenegro where a foreign national was seriously injured. The image of the glider, which belongs to Šipan line d.o.o., was used as an illustration, leading to misunderstandings. The company pointed out that this usage created an incorrect association between itself and the tragic incident, damaging its reputation and trust with customers and partners. In a statement sent to tportal, Šipan line d.o.o. emphasized that it had no role in the maritime accident. It noted that the company has long been recognized for its responsible, professional, and successful operation in ferrying passengers and organizing coastal tours, always applying the highest safety standards and care for all guests. The unauthorized use of the glider’s image in the context of the tragic news story caused unnecessary harm to the company's business reputation and public trust. The disputed photograph was removed and replaced with another illustrative image. The company expressed disappointment over the error and stressed that it had taken steps to correct the situation promptly. It also reiterated its commitment to maintaining the high level of service and safety that has defined its operations for years. Šipan line d.o.o. operates primarily in the Adriatic region, offering passenger transport and tourist services. Its fleet includes several gliders and other watercraft designed for both commercial and recreational purposes. The company has a history of participating in local tourism initiatives and has been praised for its contributions to the regional economy and community engagement. The incident highlights the importance of accurate media representation, especially when dealing with sensitive topics such as accidents involving tourists. Misuse of images can lead to unintended consequences, including reputational damage and public misinformation. While the company has taken corrective action, the episode serves as a reminder of the need for careful verification of visual content in journalistic reporting. The company expects that the correction will help restore its standing and reassure its stakeholders. It continues to operate under its usual protocols, ensuring that all future communications and materials are carefully reviewed to prevent similar issues. The incident remains under internal review, and further actions will be taken as necessary to ensure transparency and accountability.