The discovery of the body of the fourth victim in the sunken sailboat continued the investigation of one of the worst maritime accidents in recent years in the Croatian Adriatic. In the collision of the sailboat and the passenger catamaran that took place on Sunday in the Split Gate, four Czech citizens were killed, while another four sailors were injured and after being rescued were taken to the Split KBC for treatment.
According to new unofficial information, at the moment when the catamaran collided with the yacht, it was not the skipper who was at the helm, but one of the injured passengers.
Removing a sailboat from a depth of 150 feet [50 m]
The body of the last missing person remained trapped in a sunken sailboat on the seabed at a depth of 50 meters. As reported on Monday by the captain of the Port of Split, Željko Kuštera, divers located the body, and in the afternoon the action of its extraction was successfully completed.
"Once the vessel has been removed, we will have all the relevant facts necessary to complete the investigation", he said.
"A great tragedy, I can't believe this situation has come to pass.
Butković: There is no relaxation on the sea as on the road
Commenting on the accident during his visit to Rijeka, Minister Oleg Butković pointed out that it was a great unforgettable tragedy.
- At the moment the prosecutor's office is conducting an investigation, as far as criminal liability is concerned I have no information and I cannot know it. The safety investigation is being conducted by the Accident Investigation Agency, and the Port Authority is investigating whether there is any criminal liability. What I can say at the moment is that from the very moment when it was reported that the accident occurred everyone reacted in a timely manner and that unfortunately they had to do that work that is ungrateful and I thank all the services. We will see what the results of all the investigations will be, it would be good if they did not have to come at all. I always appeal that people at sea should not behave in a general way. It is not a road where you have to pay attention to signs, the environment is different, people are relaxed at sea, but the boats are more and more and we have to be more careful - said the same minister, adding that the port authority will monitor and work to ensure that the port authority and safety.
Split's watershed is registering a 100 percent increase in traffic
Dr. Sc. Rino Bosnjak of the Maritime College in Split says that in 85 percent of accidents, the cause is the human factor.
- The rest is down to weather conditions, technical correctness of the vessel, sudden malfunctions on the vessels, failures in the system and so on. What in this particular case it was about we do not know and I cannot comment on it until the official investigation is completed. When the Accident Investigation Agency completes its investigation and comes out with recommendations, the Faculty can enter into a deeper analysis on the basis of which they will make their recommendations to improve navigation safety he said.
He says he has no insight into the movements of the vessels involved in the accident, and would not be in violation of the rules regarding the priority of the vessel's passage.
"There are rules on the high seas and other rules that apply in the open sea zone, and those rules must always be respected, and in a situation where human lives are at stake, of course, within the rules, additional actions must be taken to avoid an accident", he says.
He points out that in the Split watershed, traffic has increased by 100 percent in the last 20 years.
- In line with such an increase in traffic, accidents have even decreased. Given that at this moment we do not know what caused this accident, I would not talk about possible system failures. Maritime accidents will, unfortunately, always be. We should certainly wait for the completion of the Agency's investigation to analyze how the navigation safety system can be improved. We should work on this constantly, which requires both people and time - says Captain Bosnjak.
Divers in a sunken sailboat located another body:
The Adriatic as a 'blue highway' and the problem of nautical culture
The tragedy in the Split Gate has reopened the question of navigation safety in one of the busiest parts of the Adriatic. The four lives lost are the most serious consequence of the problems that experts have been warning about for years - increasing congestion at sea, insufficient maritime culture and easy understanding of navigation rules. The Central Dalmatian water area during the summer becomes a kind of "blue highway".
The system must encourage continuous education, lifelong learning and raising the level of responsibility of those who are at sea - pointed out Višić in an interview for Free Dalmatia.
Many sailors view the sea as a place of total freedom, forgetting that on the sea, as on the road, any mistake can cost lives.
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Read the full article at Jutarnji list →📄Source document: Dežurni istražni sudac Županijskog suda u Splitu
15 reports
N1 HrvatskaIndependentLeft2 days agoIn an interview with Nin's Ksenija Kljenak, journalist and columnist Goran Vojković commented on the maritime accident involving a catamaran near Split, where four Czech citizens died. He criticized the Ministry of Transport for not implementing recommendations made by experts in 2014 regarding navigation safety around Split's gates. Professor Dragan Bolanča emphasized that the ship captain is responsible for ensuring passenger safety during navigation.
Bias read (Left): The article frames the incident as a failure of the government and ministry to act on expert advice, which aligns with a critical perspective toward authorities. The emphasis on accountability and criticism of bureaucratic inaction suggests a left-leaning framing.
Official sources cited
- government Dežurni istražni sudac Županijskog suda u Splitu
- study Dragan Bolanča, profesor pomorskog prava
N1 HrvatskaIndependentCenter2 days ago Patient about the accident at the Split Gate: The commander should have controlled navigation in the area, not the officerA deputy investigator at the Split County Court has ordered the first officer of a passenger catamaran involved in a severe maritime accident that resulted in four Czech citizens losing their lives to be placed under investigation. Dragan Bolanča, a professor of maritime law, stated that according to his opinion, the most responsible person for navigation safety is the ship's commander. He emphasized that the commander should have managed navigation in an area with heavy traffic and ensured all safety measures for passengers were taken.
Bias read (Center): The article presents facts regarding an ongoing legal investigation into a maritime accident and includes expert opinion without overtly favoring any side. The framing remains neutral, focusing on the legal process and professional responsibilities rather than taking a stance on blame or policy.
Official sources cited
- government Dežurni istražni sudac Županijskog suda u Splitu
- statement Dragan Bolanča, profesor pomorskog prava
Net.hrIndependentCenter5 days agoA maritime accident in Split's waters resulted in the deaths of four Czech citizens aboard a sailboat struck by a catamaran. The victims included an experienced sailor who had previously overcome leukemia. Local authorities in Bolatice confirmed the tragic incident, which has shocked the community. The cause of the accident remains under investigation. Reports indicate that neither the sailboat nor the catamaran had an official captain at the time of the collision.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a tragic maritime accident without overtly favoring any political perspective. It focuses on the human impact and provides factual details about the incident, including the identities of some victims and the ongoing investigation into the cause. There is no discernible framing
Official sources cited
- government Općina Bolatice
- press release Nova.cz
- press release Blesk.cz
- press release Dalmacija
Telegram.hrIndependentCenter6 days agoA former captain, Sanjin Dumanić, commented on a maritime accident near Split that resulted in four deaths and four survivors. He stated that neither vessel was conducting proper observation, which he believes led to an inevitable collision. Dumanić emphasized the need for stricter controls at sea and suggested that the official investigation would provide more details.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced view by quoting a former captain's opinion without overtly favoring any side. It does not use emotionally charged language or selectively present information to support a particular political stance. The focus is on safety concerns and the need for improved maritime监管
Official sources cited
- organisation Sanjin Dumanić
Index.hrIndependentLeft6 days agoA maritime accident near Split resulted in four deaths and several injuries when a sailboat collided with a catamaran. Sanjin Dumanić, a former captain and member of the Split Maritime Captains Association, stated that the collision was inevitable due to a critical failure—neither vessel was conducting proper observation. He emphasized the need for separate navigation lanes and speed restrictions in the heavily trafficked Split harbor area.
Bias read (Left): The article presents concerns about maritime safety and criticizes current practices in the Split harbor, suggesting systemic issues requiring regulatory changes. The framing emphasizes the inevitability of the accident due to negligence and calls for structural reforms, which aligns with a leftward
Official sources cited
- organisation Sanjin Dumanić
Novi listIndependentCenter6 days agoThe body of the eighth crew member of a sailboat that sank after colliding with a passenger catamaran near Split's Gate has been recovered and handed over to the police for further investigation. Four crew members were rescued immediately after the collision, while three died. Intensive search efforts were conducted following the incident, involving multiple rescue units including the Split Coast Guard, police vessels, diving teams, emergency medical services, and others coordinated by the Maritime Rescue Coordination Center in Rijeka.
Bias read (Center): The article provides a factual account of a maritime accident without apparent ideological framing. It focuses on the recovery of the missing crew member, details the rescue operations, and mentions ongoing investigations into the cause of the accident. There is no evident bias in language, emphasis
Official sources cited
- government Ministry of Sea, Transport and Infrastructure
- government National Coordination Center for Search and Rescue at Sea in Rijeka (MRCC Rijeka)
Net.hrIndependentCenter6 days ago He could not hold back tears over the dead sailors: 'I feel so sorry for their children'A tragic maritime accident occurred near Split when a catamaran collided with a sailboat, resulting in four deaths and four injuries. The recovery operation for the fourth victim's body has been completed, and efforts are underway to retrieve the sunken sailboat. Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the collision, including toxicological and maritime technical examinations. According to unofficial reports, the skipper was reportedly not at the helm of the sailboat during the incident. The Czech ambassador visited the injured individuals in Split.
Bias read (Center): The article provides a factual account of a maritime tragedy without overtly favoring any political perspective. It focuses on the event itself, the rescue operations, and the investigation into the cause of the accident. There is no evident ideological framing or biased language.
Official sources cited
- government Captain Željko Kuštera, Split Maritime Captaincy
- government State Prosecutor's Office
- government Police
Jutarnji listIndependentCenter6 days agoAn investigation into one of the worst maritime accidents in recent years on Croatia's Adriatic Sea continues following the discovery of the fourth victim's body inside the sunken sailboat. The incident occurred when the sailboat collided with a passenger catamaran near the Split Gates area, resulting in four Czech citizens losing their lives and four others being injured. New unofficial information suggests that the skipper was not at the helm during the collision but rather one of the deceased passengers. Efforts are underway to retrieve the boat from a depth of 50 meters, which will provide
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a maritime accident and ongoing investigation without apparent political framing. It focuses on factual details such as the recovery of victims, the condition of the vessel, and quotes from officials involved in the search and rescue operations. There is no indication of bias,
Official sources cited
- government Captain of the Split Coast Guard Station Željko Kuštera
Net.hrIndependentCenter6 days ago Captain on the tragedy: 'It's sad that our guests experienced this, the survivors from the catamaran and passengers have been examined'The captain of the Lučka fleet in Split, Željko Kuštera, confirmed that investigations are underway into a serious maritime accident in the Split waters, where four people died after a collision between a sailboat and a catamaran. Divers have found the wreck of the sailboat at a depth greater than 50 meters and recovered the body of the fourth victim. The County State Prosecutor's Office, in cooperation with the police and other authorities, is preparing divers to retrieve the last victim's body before beginning the operation to recover the boat. The captain expressed regret over the incident,
Bias read (Center): The article provides factual information about an ongoing investigation into a maritime accident without apparent ideological framing. It quotes officials and describes procedures neutrally, without evident bias toward any political side.
Official sources cited
- government Željko Kuštera
HRT (Hrvatska radiotelevizija)State / PublicCenter6 days agoA sunken sailboat involved in a maritime accident in Split's waters has been located at a depth of 52 meters. Divers and drones from the Croatian Navy have identified a body of the missing person.
Bias read (Center): The article reports factual information without apparent ideological framing. It focuses on the location of the sunken boat and the discovery of the body, with no evident bias in language or emphasis.
Official sources cited
- government Croatian Navy divers and drones
Telegram.hrIndependentCenter6 days ago Body of fourth victim of Split accident found: 'Diverses found him in the sailboat cabin, at 50 meters depth'The body of the fourth victim of a maritime accident near Split has been found. The captain of the Split Coast Guard, Željko Kuštera, stated that divers located the body inside the cabin of the sunken sailboat at a depth of over 50 meters. The Coast Guard emphasized the need for caution due to the challenging conditions and confirmed that an investigation has begun to determine the cause of the accident. The incident involved a collision between a private Croatian catamaran, Krilo Eclipse, carrying 118 passengers, and a French-flagged sailboat which sank.
Bias read (Center): The article provides factual information about a maritime accident and the ongoing investigation without apparent ideological framing or biased language. It quotes officials and describes events objectively.
Official sources cited
- government Željko Kuštera, Captain of the Split Coast Guard
Večernji listIndependentCenter7 days agoPrime Minister Andrej Plenković expressed condolences to the families of those who died in a maritime accident and to Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš. He noted that all relevant authorities responded quickly and conducted a rescue operation for passengers on a sailboat, while an intensive search continues for one person.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a statement by the prime minister expressing condolences and describing the response to a maritime incident. The language is neutral, with no evident ideological framing or biased emphasis. It does not favor any political side but provides factual information about the event.
Net.hrIndependentCenter7 days ago There were 118 passengers on the catamaran and eight on the sailboat: The Ministry has revealed details of the horror near SplitA maritime accident occurred near Split when a private Croatian passenger ship collided with a French-flagged sailboat, which subsequently sank. The incident resulted in three fatalities and one missing person. A total of 118 passengers and seven crew members were aboard the passenger ship, while eight people were on the sailboat. Emergency services, including coast guard vessels, police boats, and emergency medical teams, responded to the incident.
Bias read (Center): The article provides a factual account of a maritime accident without apparent ideological framing. It reports on the event using official sources such as the Ministry of Sea, Transport, and Infrastructure, and does not exhibit biased language or selective emphasis.
Official sources cited
- government Ministry of Sea, Transport, and Infrastructure
- government National Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC) Rijeka
N1 HrvatskaIndependentCenter7 days ago A sailboat and a catamaran collided near Split, three dead. New details about the accident are emergingA maritime accident occurred near Split between a sailboat and a catamaran, resulting in three fatalities and one missing person. The incident happened around 11:38 AM between the islands of Brač and Šolta. Four people were rescued and received medical assistance on-site, while the cause of the collision and subsequent sinking of the sailboat remains under investigation. Authorities are conducting an inquiry with involvement from the deputy county state attorney, traffic experts, and police.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a maritime accident without taking a stance on any political issue. It provides factual information about the incident, including details on casualties, rescue efforts, and ongoing investigations. There is no evident framing that favors one side over another, and the tone is客观
Official sources cited
- government Police Statement
- government National Coordination Center for Search and Rescue at Sea
tportalIndependentCenter7 days agoThree people died in a severe maritime accident near Split today around 11:38 AM in the area between the islands of Šolta and Brač, while search efforts continue for one missing person, according to the Split police.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a maritime accident with no political framing, word-choice, or emphasis that suggests bias. It provides factual information without editorializing or favoring any particular perspective.
Official sources cited
- government Split Police Department
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