Maritime and environmental incidents in the Adriatic

The Adriatic region has experienced a series of maritime accidents and environmental emergencies. In mid-August, incidents near Dugi Otok, Croatia, included a boat running aground near Cape Oključić and a collision involving a Slovenian-operated yacht and a fish farm cage.

By late August, the scope of incidents expanded. In Montenegro’s Boka Kotorska bay, a vessel collision near Stoliv left 15 people with minor injuries. Authorities confirmed that a Serbian citizen was operating one of the vessels under the influence of alcohol and faces criminal charges for “endangering public traffic”.

In Croatia, a 20-meter luxury motor yacht registered in Malta caught fire while anchored near Čiovo. While all six occupants were evacuated without injury, the vessel sank to a depth of over 31 meters during towing operations. The Ministry of Sea, Transport and Infrastructure reported that “no marine pollution has been detected at the site”.

Environmental and fire concerns also persisted. Firefighters brought a blaze on the Pakleni Islands near Hvar under control, following earlier reports of wildfires in the Paklinski Islands and the Konavle region. Additionally, the Kotor Fishermen's Association has called for government intervention to regulate maritime traffic, citing concerns that intense cruise ship tender activity is causing noise, waves, and coastal erosion.