Prime Minister Milojko Spajić visited the famous Croatian skier Ivica Kostelić at the Bar General Hospital this morning. According to the Prime Minister's office, he was rescued yesterday evening near the mouth of the Bojana River thanks to the quick intervention of the Montenegrin Navy.
"During his conversation with the Prime Minister, the four-time Olympic medalist and World Cup winner expressed great gratitude for the reaction of the Montenegrin Army, as well as the medical staff, bearing in mind that, as he points out, he emerged from a very delicate and life-threatening situation without injury," the statement reads.
They say that Kostelić spent the past few days in Prokletije, where he "promoted the beauty of this part of Montenegro", for which, among other things, Spajić thanked him.
"We greatly appreciate that you took the time to visit and promote Prokletije and Montenegro. We are extremely happy that the rescue operation ended in the best possible way. You are always welcome in Montenegro," said the Prime Minister.
"I bring only beautiful memories from Montenegro thanks to the brave rescue operation from the rough seas near Ada Bojana," said Kostelić.
Spajić and Kostelić praised the actions of the Montenegrin rescue services, who "with their actions confirmed a high level of expertise and responsiveness in rescue operations," Spajić's office announced.
Spajić previously said that Kostelić was well and recovering.
"He is extremely grateful to the Montenegrin Army for its timely response, as well as to the medical staff of our country. The legendary Croatian skier spent the past few days at Prokletije and the Bojana River - promoting the beauty of these gems of ours, which, according to Kostelić, have enormous potential for extreme sports. Ivica, come visit us again," Spajić wrote on Iks.
The Croatian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs expressed its gratitude to the Government of Montenegro, members of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Army of Montenegro, the Albanian authorities, as well as the Croatian embassies in Podgorica and Tirana, for their quick and efficient cooperation in the rescue at sea of Croatian skier Ivica Kostelić and a French citizen.
They especially thanked the director of the hospital in Bar and the medical staff who, they say, provided them with all the necessary care.
DON'T MISS IT
Last night, members of the Montenegrin Army rescued the famous Croatian skier Ivica Kostelić and a French citizen from rough seas in Ulcinj, near the mouth of the Bojana River, in cooperation with the Maritime Safety Administration, following a storm.
The accident occurred when Kostelić and Francuz's kayaks were capsized by strong winds and waves more than four meters high, but they were rescued by the crew of one of the Navy's new fast patrol boats, with helicopter support from the air.
UPSUL announced that the operation lasted a full five hours on the border between Montenegro and Albania, in very adverse weather conditions. The two men were not injured, and last night they were handed over to the ambulance team in the Port of Bar.
The Directorate for Protection and Rescue said on Boje jutra on TV Vijesti that there was also a Montenegrin citizen with them who managed to save himself, stating that the rescue operation was extremely dramatic.
DON'T MISS IT
Bonus video:
