Libertas Convoy: Humanitarian mission reaches besieged Dubrovnik in 1991

On October 31, 1991, a humanitarian mission known as the Libertas Convoy arrived at the port of Gruž in Dubrovnik. The convoy consisted of 29 vessels carrying essential supplies, including food, medicine, and basic necessities, to a city that had been completely blocked by the Yugoslav People's Army (JNA) and Montenegrin reservists.

The mission was initiated by organizations such as the Sveti Vlaho Fund for the Salvation of Dubrovnik, the Society of Croatian Writers, and Matica hrvatska. Led by the ferry Slavija, the convoy departed from Rijeka on October 28, joined by various ships from other Croatian ports. During the voyage, the vessels faced threats, searches, and interference from the Yugoslav Navy.

Notable political figures participated in the convoy, including Stipe Mesić, then President of the Presidency of the SFRY, and Franjo Gregurić, the Croatian Prime Minister. During a confrontation with Admiral Stano Brovet, Stipe Mesić reportedly challenged the naval blockade, stating that the convoy would proceed to Dubrovnik regardless of the risks.

The arrival of the convoy served as a significant symbol of solidarity and resistance during the Croatian War of Independence, highlighting the scale of the siege to the international community. Despite the arrival of aid, the city faced intense artillery strikes shortly thereafter.