Bodies of three strangers found in Sava: 'They say they were two brothers and a cousin'

Three foreign nationals were recovered from the Sava River after a prolonged search spanning nearly 24 hours, according to local authorities. The bodies of the men, identified as Egyptian citizens, were retrieved from the river near Rugvica, approximately 30 kilometers northeast of Zagreb. Initial reports had suggested they might be Nepalese, but police confirmed their nationality following further investigation. The search operation involved specialized units of the Anti-Terrorism Department based in Lučko, firefighters, and members of the Croatian Red Cross. The area covered was over 27 kilometers long, with teams working through challenging conditions. According to officials, all three men had left behind practically everything except their swimwear. Their belongings, including items believed to have been used for cooking, were found along the riverbank, suggesting they had attempted to prepare food before entering the water. A local resident, Kaja from Rugvica, described the scene as one of distress. She recounted how locals claimed the men were two brothers and a cousin, adding that they appeared to have cooked on a grill and placed a melon into the water to cool it down. This detail has sparked speculation about the circumstances leading to their drowning. Authorities have stated that the exact cause of the incident will become clear once forensic evidence is examined. However, preliminary assessments suggest a tragic chain of events. It is believed the men were capable swimmers, yet the situation escalated quickly. A possible scenario involves one person encountering difficulty, prompting another to assist, while a third tried to help the first two. In such scenarios, the risk of secondary drownings is high, as individuals attempting rescue can themselves become victims. Firefighters and emergency responders emphasized the dangers of such situations. According to Mario Popović, commander of the fire department in Rugvica, the case highlights the importance of professional intervention in water rescues. He noted that individuals who are struggling to stay afloat often exert tremendous effort to survive, which can endanger those trying to assist them. Therefore, he recommended that at least two trained personnel should be involved in any rescue attempt, or that emergency services be called immediately. The disappearance of the men was initially reported by a friend, who noticed they had not returned home. The friends had been staying in Croatia under valid residency permits, and their absence raised concerns among local residents. While the official cause of death remains pending, the tragedy underscores the unpredictable nature of water-related incidents, even among individuals familiar with swimming. As the investigation continues, authorities are reviewing all available evidence to determine the sequence of events. The recovery of the bodies marks the end of a harrowing search, but the loss of three lives serves as a sobering reminder of the risks associated with water activities, even for experienced individuals.