Ferry collision in Split leaves one tourist boat sunk

A chaotic scene unfolded at the Port of Split on Monday morning when the Jadrolinija ferry, Petar Hektorović, broke free from its moorings during a fierce storm, colliding with two nearby vessels. The impact caused a large tourist excursion boat to sink, as confirmed by Vice Mihanović, director of the Split Port Authority. The storm, which struck around 9 a.m., brought torrential rain, hail, and powerful winds, leading to significant disruption in the area.

Storm Causes Havoc at the Port

The storm that hit Split was severe, uprooting trees and causing widespread flooding, power outages, and damage to infrastructure. Eyewitnesses reported that the mooring lines securing the Petar Hektorović snapped under the pressure of the winds, allowing the ferry to drift uncontrollably through the harbor. It first collided with the Krilo catamaran before crashing into the excursion boat, which subsequently began to sink.

Witnesses described the incident as unfolding rapidly. One onlooker, who was parked near the port, noted that he turned away for just a moment and was shocked to see the ferry had vanished from its dock. “The wind just carried it straight into the other boats,” he recounted. Another witness, situated in a nearby office, reported hearing a loud crash and seeing the damage caused by the ferry. “The rain was so intense we could barely see the ferry even though it was just 10 to 15 metres away. It hit the boat so hard it started sinking immediately. A man had to jump out to escape,” he said.

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Fortunately, despite the severity of the collision, there have been no reports of serious injuries. The Port of Split is currently dealing with the aftermath of the storm, which has disrupted both traffic and maritime operations. Emergency services are on-site, and an investigation into the incident is expected to be conducted by authorities.

Ongoing Impact and Investigation

The Petar Hektorović is a prominent ferry operated by Jadrolinija, serving various coastal routes. The extent of the damage to both the ferry and the catamaran remains unclear at this time. As the port authorities assess the situation, the focus is on restoring normal operations and ensuring the safety of all vessels in the area.

In the wake of the storm, the community is left to grapple with the disruption caused by the extreme weather. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of summer storms in the region, prompting discussions about safety measures and preparedness for future weather events.