Two people have been arrested in connection with a man's death on the Neretva River, one of them is the owner of a rafting company

A tragic incident occurred on the Neretva River near Konjic, Bosnia and Herzegovina, when a man lost his life during a rafting activity. The victim has been identified as E. M., a 37-year-old man from Tuzla. According to reports, the accident took place on Saturday at the location known as Kalajdžin Potok, which is part of the popular rafting route along the Neretva. The man was found deceased after being carried downstream by the river's current following the capsizing of the rafting boat.

The police were alerted around 4:15 PM on June 13th when a person from Konjic contacted the local police station to report the discovery of a body in the water. Upon arriving at the scene, law enforcement confirmed the identity of the deceased as E. M. A preliminary examination conducted by the duty doctor from the Konjic Emergency Medical Services indicated injuries to the head area, suggesting that drowning was the likely cause of death. This initial assessment was later corroborated by the findings of an autopsy, confirming that the man died as a result of drowning after the raft overturned.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. Two individuals have been detained in connection with the tragedy: the owner of the rafting company and the skipper who was responsible for guiding the group during the rafting trip. Both suspects have been taken into custody and are currently undergoing criminal processing. The police have emphasized that the investigation is ongoing, and they are working to fully understand the circumstances surrounding the accident.

The rafting activity took place at a well-known section of the Neretva River referred to locally as "S," located within the Bukovi region. This stretch of the river is frequently used for recreational activities such as rafting, which attracts both local residents and tourists due to its scenic beauty and challenging rapids. However, this incident highlights the potential dangers associated with such outdoor pursuits, especially when safety protocols are not strictly followed.

Local officials and representatives from the Hercegovačko-Neretvanski Canton Prosecutor’s Office have expressed concern over the incident, emphasizing the need for increased safety measures and stricter adherence to regulations within the rafting industry. The presence of a duty prosecutor at the crime scene underscores the seriousness of the case and indicates that legal proceedings will be thoroughly examined.

As the investigation continues, authorities are looking into whether there were any lapses in safety procedures or negligence on the part of the rafting company or its employees. The focus of the inquiry includes examining the condition of the equipment, the training of the personnel involved, and the overall management practices of the rafting firm. These factors could play a crucial role in determining liability and ensuring that similar incidents are prevented in the future.

In the coming days, further developments are expected as the police continue their inquiries and gather more evidence. The families of the victims and the broader community are awaiting clarity and accountability. Meanwhile, the rafting industry in the region faces scrutiny, prompting calls for enhanced oversight and improved safety standards to protect participants and prevent future tragedies.