Six people rescued near Dobreč Bay

Through a timely and coordinated action by the Navigation Safety Inspection of the Kotor Port Authority and the Maritime Safety Administration (MSA), the rescue operation of six foreign citizens from a speedboat near Dobreč Bay on the Luštica Peninsula was successfully carried out, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs announced.

They said there were no injuries, but also that environmental damage was avoided.

Before the arrival of state authorities, a vessel piloted by Mićo Šćekić from Tivat came to the aid of those in danger.

"Officers of the Maritime Safety Inspection of the Kotor Port Authority received a call at 15:01 about the danger of a boat sinking, after which the Ministry of Maritime Affairs immediately initiated the emergency response procedure. At 15:11, inspection authorities and two UPS vessels arrived at the scene, where they found a speedboat under the Norwegian flag (marked N701590S) that was already completely underwater. Immediately before the arrival of state authorities, the endangered vessel marked KT 1431 under the command of M. Š., who showed a high degree of responsibility at sea and accepted four adults and two children into his vessel," the statement reads.

The Kotor Port Authority inspection determined that the Norwegian speedboat was operated by a foreign citizen BL K, and that his family members were on board. Thanks to the rapid evacuation, all family members escaped without injury.

"The Maritime Safety Inspection of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs immediately inspected the condition of the waters and determined that there was no sea pollution. In order for the sunken vessel not to endanger the safety of other participants in maritime traffic, the inspector of the Kotor Port Authority issued an order for the urgent removal of the speedboat, which was carried out as soon as possible by the vessel of Marina Zelenika," the statement added.

The Ministry of Maritime Affairs has also issued an appeal to participants in maritime traffic, highlighting the importance of safety at sea. They have called on all owners and operators of boats and yachts to strictly adhere to navigation rules, monitor weather conditions and show maximum care and responsibility while at sea, in order to protect their own lives and the lives of their fellow passengers.