Search continues for missing 8‑year‑old boy in Croatia's Drava River

An eight‑year‑old boy disappeared near the Drava River at an unofficial bathing spot close to Selnica Podravska, north of Legrad in Croatia. The disappearance was reported around 20:40 on Wednesday night. Police, firefighters, members of the Croatian Mountain Rescue Service (HGSS), divers and dozens of volunteers have been conducting an intensive search, using boats, drones and on‑foot teams along the river from the local swimming area to a bridge in Donja Dubrava.

Mayor Ivan Sabolić said the search was paused at night due to low visibility and would resume at dawn. He noted that water levels are high and the current fast, making the effort difficult. This incident follows a fatal drowning of a 14‑year‑old boy in the same river a few days earlier, prompting authorities to warn residents to use only designated swimming sites.

As of the latest update, the child has not been found and officials say the operation will continue as long as possible.