Big search in the Rugvice area: Three men entered Sava yesterday

A body was found floating in the Sava River near the village of Okunšćak in the municipality of Rugvica, marking the end of a search for three foreign nationals who had gone missing earlier this week. The discovery came after a coordinated effort involving local volunteers, emergency services, and authorities. According to reports, two bodies were initially recovered from the river, followed by a third, bringing the total number of victims to three. The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon around 4 pm, when the men reportedly entered the Sava River following a barbecue. Local media cited information suggesting they were Egyptian nationals. The exact circumstances of their disappearance remain under investigation, though initial reports indicate they may have attempted to cross the river or encountered difficulties while swimming. Volunteers from the Rugvica Firefighters' Association played a key role in the search efforts, working alongside official rescue teams. They issued appeals through social media and public announcements urging residents to come forward with any information related to the missing individuals. “We ask all citizens who have seen them or possess any useful information to contact us via phone or report to police at 192, Center 112,” representatives from the association stated. The Croatian Mountain Rescue Service confirmed its involvement in the search operation. Emergency personnel conducted extensive searches along the riverbanks and in surrounding areas, using both ground-based methods and watercraft. Despite these efforts, the three men were not located until late Monday, when divers retrieved their bodies from the river. Authorities have yet to release detailed accounts of how the men met their fate. Preliminary findings suggest they may have been swept away by strong currents or suffered an accident while attempting to swim across the river. However, further analysis is required to determine the exact cause of the tragedy. The bodies will undergo forensic examination to confirm identities and establish the sequence of events leading to their deaths. Local officials expressed concern over the incident, emphasizing the importance of safety measures during recreational activities near rivers. The municipality of Rugvica has announced plans to increase awareness campaigns regarding water safety, particularly in areas known for swift currents or unpredictable weather conditions. These initiatives aim to prevent similar incidents in the future. The families of the deceased have not publicly commented on the situation, though local media have reported that relatives are currently awaiting official confirmation of the identities of the victims. A formal identification process is underway, which includes fingerprinting and DNA testing. Once completed, the results will be shared with the families and relevant authorities. In the meantime, the community continues to grapple with the emotional impact of the tragedy. Residents have expressed shock and sadness over the loss of life, with some calling for greater vigilance in monitoring such incidents. The local fire department has reiterated its commitment to supporting the families and ensuring that lessons are learned from this unfortunate event.