Four people lost their lives following a collision between a high-speed passenger craft and a sailboat in the Adriatic Sea off Croatia, in one of the region’s most serious maritime accidents in recent years. The incident occurred on June 14 in the Split Channel, between the islands of Šolta and Brač, a busy waterway frequently used by commercial and recreational vessels. Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the collision.

According to Croatian authorities, the passenger catamaran was carrying more than 100 passengers and crew at the time of the incident, while the sailboat had eight people onboard. Following the collision, the smaller vessel sank in deep waters. Rescue teams immediately responded to the scene and conducted search and recovery operations involving maritime rescue units, police, and divers.

Initial reports stated that three people aboard the sailboat had died while one person was missing. Authorities later confirmed that the missing individual had been located, bringing the death toll to four. Several survivors were rescued from the water, while some sustained injuries requiring medical attention.

Investigators are currently examining the circumstances that led to the collision. Officials have gathered navigational data from both vessels and are reviewing weather conditions, vessel movements, and communication records. Croatian maritime accident investigators have also informed French and Czech authorities due to the international involvement of the vessels and passengers.

The sailboat reportedly came to rest at a depth of more than 50 meters, while authorities confirmed that no marine pollution had been detected following the incident. Maritime officials described the accident as one of the most severe in the Split area in decades, highlighting the importance of navigational safety in heavily trafficked waterways during the busy summer season.