Croatian rescuers search for Austrian skipper missing near Šolta island

Croatian authorities launched a large search operation on July 26, 2026, for an Austrian skipper who fell overboard from a catamaran during severe weather in the Adriatic Sea. The national maritime search and rescue centre received the alert at 9:10 a.m. local time, or 07:10 GMT, near the central Adriatic island of Šolta, Croatia’s sea ministry said.

The ministry said weather conditions in the area were extremely adverse. Three rescue boats, three police vessels and a military aircraft were deployed in the search.

The catamaran’s six other crew members, all Austrian nationals, were found unharmed.

Ivan Pausic of the Split harbour master’s office said the crew reported that the 46-year-old skipper had gone to inspect a rope tangled around the vessel’s propeller. According to the crew’s account, high waves and strong winds caused him to fall into the sea and swept him away from the vessel. The crew attempted to throw him a rope, but he was unable to reach it. They lost sight of him within several minutes, Pausic said.