Biokovo mountain rescue involves night vision helicopter operation

A hiker was rescued from the Biokovo mountain range on Monday after becoming dehydrated, exhausted, and disoriented. The individual, located above Bukovac, was unable to provide complete coordinates when requesting help through the 112 emergency center.

The rescue operation lasted over six hours, involving 12 members of the HGSS Makarska station and a helicopter from the Ministry of the Interior’s Lučko Anti-Terrorist Unit. The mission concluded at 9:00 PM.

Reports indicate the operation was notably challenging due to the terrain and darkness. The use of a Subaru Bell 412EPX helicopter equipped with Night Vision Goggles (NVG) was highlighted, potentially marking a significant technical milestone for search and rescue operations in Croatia. HGSS has issued warnings to hikers to prepare adequately, carry sufficient water, and avoid solo treks in the mountains.