Split commemorates Josip Vranić, first Croatian Navy casualty

The 35th anniversary of the death of Josip Vranić, the first member of the Croatian Navy to lose his life during the Homeland War, is being marked in Split. Vranić, a 20-year-old economics student, was killed on September 24, 1991, in the Kašjuni cove while defending the city from enemy artillery fire from the sea.

Nikola Bokšić, a retired brigadier of the Croatian Army, noted that Vranić joined the navy as a volunteer during its formation. His brief military service lasted only four days, during which he participated in the defense of the Split airport and the protection of maritime passages. A memorial stands at the site of his death to honor his service and patriotism.