Croatia recovers sailboat wreck involved in fatal collision

Specialists in Split, Croatia, have successfully recovered the wreckage of a Beneteau Oceanis sailboat from a depth of approximately 60 meters. The vessel sank on June 14 following a collision with the catamaran Krilo Eclipse in the Split Channel, between the islands of Brač and Šolta.

The recovery operation, conducted by the company Krka sub maris, involved using heavy cranes and specialized underwater straps to lift the vessel after pumping out roughly nine tons of water. The sailboat was transported to the port of Split for further examination.

The collision resulted in the deaths of four Czech nationals, including a couple from Bolatice and a local horse breeder. The wreckage serves as critical evidence in an ongoing investigation by Croatian police and prosecutors. An expert has already inspected the vessel to assess the extent of the damage, which may help clarify the circumstances of the accident. Previously, a first officer from the catamaran was detained on suspicion of failing to use radar or warning systems and failing to adjust speed to maritime traffic density.