Gasilci nadaljujejo z gasitvijo velikega požara na Hvarju: požar pod nadzorom, požgani deli vinogradov, poškodovane vile

A fire broke out on a catamaran near the island of Hvar, Croatia, causing significant damage and prompting a large-scale emergency response. According to reports, the incident occurred in the bay known as Tiha, located in the village of Staro Grad on Hvar. The vessel was reportedly owned by a local charter company and had been moored in the area when the fire started. Firefighters from the local department, along with support from other units and maritime authorities, were deployed to contain the blaze and ensure the safety of those aboard.

The fire engulfed the catamaran completely, according to statements released by the fire service. A total of six firefighters from the Stari Grad unit participated in the intervention, alongside four additional firefighters from the Hvar unit. Maritime assistance was also provided by the port authority using a boat. The Ministry of Sea, Transport, and Infrastructure in Croatia confirmed that five individuals were present on board during the fire—three crew members and two passengers—all of whom managed to evacuate safely using lifeboats shortly after the fire broke out. Upon arrival at the scene, officials from the Hvar Fire Department moved the burning vessel away from the shore due to concerns about the fire spreading into nearby forests before beginning efforts to extinguish the flames.

The fire was reported around 5:30 PM, and despite extensive firefighting operations lasting several hours, the catamaran eventually burned down and sank to the ocean floor. According to the head of the Stari Grad Fire Department, Antoni Ivanković, the vessel was fully consumed by the fire and sank beneath the sea. He noted that while there were multiple passengers on board at the time of the fire, all were successfully evacuated without injury. Initial reports indicated that no one was harmed in the incident.

In addition to the catamaran fire, another major fire broke out on the southern side of the island of Hvar near the location of Ivan Dolac. This fire, which started the previous afternoon, spread to several abandoned buildings, older vehicles, parts of agricultural structures, and the surrounding areas of two villas. Large portions of vineyards and vegetation were also affected. Firefighters worked throughout the night to control the blaze, aided by Canadian air tankers operating until darkness fell.

According to the head of the fire department in the county, Ivan Kovačević, the wind conditions began to calm around 2 AM, although some light winds were expected later in the day. Despite this, the situation remained under control, with most fires being extinguished by early morning. The fire department emphasized that while several structures were damaged, many homes were saved through coordinated efforts. Some parts of the village’s infrastructure, including facades and windows of two residential properties, suffered damage.

Firefighters from across the island participated in the operation, supported by international resources such as the Canadian aircraft. The Croatian Fire Service detailed that approximately 40 firefighters were involved in the effort, utilizing 11 fire trucks. The extent of the damage caused by the fire has yet to be fully assessed, but it is clear that both natural and man-made elements were impacted.

The combined incidents involving the catamaran and the land-based fire highlight the challenges faced by emergency services in dealing with wildfires in the region. These fires often occur during periods of high temperatures and dry weather, making them particularly difficult to manage. Authorities have expressed gratitude for the efforts made by all firefighters involved, emphasizing their dedication and the importance of community resilience in times of crisis. As investigations continue, further details regarding the causes of these fires will likely emerge, shedding more light on how similar incidents can be prevented in the future.