# HGSS mountain rescue operations in Croatia and Bosnia

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/hgss-mountain-rescue-operations-in-croatia-and-bosnia
> Updated: 2026-09-27T15:20:59.000Z. Sources: 15. Developments: 2.

Mountain rescue operations conducted by the Croatian Mountain Rescue Service (HGSS) have involved various terrains and technical challenges in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

In late August, a six-hour operation in the Biokovo mountain range utilized a helicopter equipped with Night Vision Goggles (NVG) to rescue a dehydrated and disoriented hiker. By late September, HGSS reported multiple rescues, including two incidents at Križevac in Bosnia and Herzegovina involving an injured woman and a minor.

A recent demanding four-hour operation at Tulove Grede in the Velebit mountain range involved a person experiencing serious heart complications. Rescuers utilized technical climbing methods to lower the individual in a stretcher over 100 meters down a cliff to a location where a Medical Emergency Helicopter Service (HEMS) team could take over for airlift to KBC Rijeka.

Following these events, HGSS has advocated for a more comprehensive helicopter rescue system in Croatia. The service highlighted a critical distinction between ‘rescue from the air’ and ‘transport by air,’ noting that current aircraft lack the winch capabilities necessary for direct extraction from inaccessible cliffs. HGSS emphasized that a functional system requires more than just winched helicopters, calling for integrated infrastructure, coordinated shifts, trained crews, and standardized operating procedures to meet the safety requirements of a major tourist destination.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-27: HGSS calls for better helicopter rescue systems after Velebit operation

HGSS conducted a four-hour rescue on Velebit after a person suffered heart issues. The incident highlights a lack of winch-equipped helicopter capabilities for direct extraction in Croatia.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hgss-conducts-multiple-mountain-rescue-operations-in-croatia-and-bosnia

### 2026-08-31: Biokovo mountain rescue involves night vision helicopter operation

A dehydrated and disoriented hiker was rescued from Biokovo mountain following a six-hour operation involving HGSS and a Ministry of the Interior helicopter using night vision technology.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/biokovo-mountain-rescue-involves-night-vision-helicopter-operation

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Cite as: HGSS mountain rescue operations in Croatia and Bosnia. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/hgss-mountain-rescue-operations-in-croatia-and-bosnia