Swedes Caught in Fierce Storm: Four Hospitalized After Catamaran Capsizes in Croatia
Four Swedes were hospitalized after their catamaran capsized in Croatia on Monday. They were caught in one of the feared storms along the coast, where a sudden squall overturned the boat.
"Sailors must take weather warnings seriously. If a storm approaches, they must seek shelter immediately to avoid such accidents," says Ante Govic, the harbor master in Sibenik, where the Swedes were taken.
Seven Swedish tourists were thrown into the sea when a catamaran capsized off the island of Kaprije in Croatia, according to Croatian media. A German and a Croatian citizen also ended up in the water.
Four of the Swedes were taken to a hospital in the coastal city of Sibenik, according to the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Their condition is unknown.
The Bora Wind Spreads Fear
Croatia's coastal area is feared by both experienced sailors and holidaymakers. The Bora wind, with its sudden and treacherous gusts, now often strikes even in summer. The Adriatic Sea is known for its many unpredictable winds at different times of the year, challenging sailors.
The maritime accident occurred as a violent storm swept across Croatia on Monday, affecting both the coastal area and far inland. The Croatian weather service issued severe weather warnings, though it's unclear if this was before or after the accident.
"The investigation will show exactly what happened. But it's important to emphasize that sailors must be very attentive to weather forecasts and prevailing conditions, especially during summer," says Ante Govic, harbor master in Sibenik, to the Croatian news site Glashrvatske.
"Must Be Taken Very Seriously"
"This must be taken very seriously. If a storm approaches, boats should immediately head to the nearest harbor or sheltered area to avoid such accidents," he says.
The maritime police in Sibenik received the alarm at 11:35 on Monday. A police boat quickly arrived and, together with a nearby sailboat, rescued all nine people who were brought ashore, Croatian media reports.
"Seven Swedish citizens were on the boat, four of whom have been taken to a hospital in Sibenik for follow-up. The embassy is in contact with the local hospital," writes the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' press service to Expressen.
The accident occurred near the historic city of Sibenik, the oldest city on the Croatian coast. It is a popular tourist destination, as is the entire surrounding archipelago.
Violent Storm Sweeps Through
The maritime accident occurred as a violent storm swept through Croatia on Monday. Strong winds swept through the capital, Zagreb, breaking trees and damaging buildings. The rescue service was called out to assist people throughout the city.
"It was a whirlwind. Yes, like a tornado," says Boris, a resident of Novi Zagreb, to the news site Glashrvatske.
"Sky Turned Black in Five Minutes"
Marijana Maricic, principal of an elementary school, says her school was severely damaged by the storm, but no one was injured.
"The northern part of our roof is destroyed. The sheet metal was torn off, and it's raining everywhere," she says.
The school's janitor recounts:
"The sky turned black in five minutes. We heard thunder and rumbling. When the rain subsided a bit, we went out and saw that the roof was gone again! The same thing happened two years ago."
After passing the coast and central Croatia, the storm continued eastward in the country, where sharp weather warnings are in effect.