Adriatic Sea rescuers honored at inaugural Čuvari Jadrana awards

The inaugural ‘Čuvari Jadrana’ (Guardians of the Adriatic) awards were presented in Zagreb during the ‘Nautical Tourism of Croatia 2030’ conference. The project, initiated by Jutarnji list, aims to recognize individuals who protect the sea, nature, and people.

In the ‘Rescuers’ category, police officers Leonard Jozić and Matej Radočaj received recognition for their life-saving actions on June 19. While on duty at the Opatija police station, they encountered a 37-year-old Indian tourist who had lost consciousness and had no pulse on Medveji beach. The officers performed resuscitation until emergency medical services arrived.

Other recipients included members of the Croatian Coast Guard’s vessel Modrulj—Blaž Ljubica, Tonći Mirosavac, and Joso Skorić—who were honored for transporting wounded individuals from Vis to Split amidst storm conditions with waves reaching seven meters.