At least three Czech nationals died and one person remains missing following a collision between a catamaran ferry and a sailboat near the Croatian port of Split. According to Štěpán Šantrůček, head of the consular department in Croatia, the incident occurred Sunday between the islands of Brač and Šolta. Four other Czech citizens were hospitalized with injuries but are reported to be out of immediate danger.
What caused the maritime collision near Split?
The exact cause of the crash remains under investigation, according to local authorities. The collision occurred around 11:30 a.m. in a high-traffic maritime corridor used by vessels entering the port of Split. While the investigation is in its early stages, reports from the Croatian news outlet Slobodna Dalmatia indicate that weather conditions at the time were clear, with calm seas, suggesting that environmental factors were unlikely the primary catalyst for the accident.
How many people were involved in the incident?
Data provided by Slobodna Dalmatia indicates that the catamaran ferry, operated by a private company, was carrying 118 passengers and seven crew members at the time of the crash. The sailboat involved in the collision was carrying eight Czech nationals. Following the impact, the sailboat sank. According to Štěpán Šantrůček, the missing individual is believed to have been trapped within the submerged wreckage of the yacht.
The stretch of water between the islands of Brač and Šolta functions as a vital maritime gateway to Split. Because it serves as a funnel for both local ferry traffic and private recreational vessels, it is one of the most heavily navigated areas in the Adriatic Sea.
What is the status of the survivors?
Four Czech survivors were transported to a local hospital for treatment. The Croatian public broadcaster HRT reported that the patients are middle-aged and their lives are not in danger. Štěpán Šantrůček confirmed that three of the survivors sustained minor injuries and are expected to be discharged shortly. The fourth individual remains under medical observation but is stable.
How are authorities responding?
Rescue operations are currently underway to locate the missing passenger. The Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs is coordinating with local Croatian officials. Spokesman Adam Čörgő stated that the ministry is in contact with the families of the victims. Petr Gandalovič, the Czech ambassador to Croatia, is scheduled to travel from Zagreb to Split on Monday to oversee the consular response and provide support to those affected.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
- Where exactly did the accident occur? The collision happened in the Adriatic Sea between the islands of Brač and Šolta.
- Were the victims tourists? Yes, the individuals on the sailboat were eight Czech citizens.
- Is the ferry company under investigation? Authorities have begun an investigation into the incident, though no findings on liability have been released as of June 14, 2026.
Have you recently traveled in the Adriatic or have questions about maritime safety regulations in Croatia? Share your thoughts in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for ongoing updates on this developing story.
