Milan Balić honored for rescuing 60 people from wildfire

Milan Balić, a resident of Stanić near Omiš, has been awarded the Croatian Grand Security Award for bravery. The recognition was presented in Opatija during the 20th Conference of Croatian Security Managers.

In August, during a major wildfire that threatened the coast, Balić used his own vessels to rescue approximately 60 people, including children, the elderly, and injured individuals, who had fled toward the sea to escape the flames. The rescue operation was conducted under extreme conditions, including heavy smoke and strong bura winds.

Balić utilized two boats, towing a smaller vessel behind a larger one to transport the evacuees toward Omiš. Despite the dangerous visibility and weather, the mission successfully moved the group to safety, though the smaller boat overturned upon arrival at the Omiš port, requiring intervention from the military and special police to ensure everyone was secured.