June the 29th, 2026 – The HGSS (Croatian Mountain Rescue Service) rescued a young couple stuck on Biokovo with no water after running out, in severely dangerous 36 degree heat.
The Croatian Mountain Rescue Service (HGSS) rescued a young married couple on Biokovo Nature Park after they got into trouble during a hike and ran out of water in extreme heat. The couple, both of whom are foreign nationals, were found below the Bukovac peak high above the coastal town of Baška Voda.
According to HGSS Makarska, the couple started their afternoon climb but did not bring enough water. Index writes that the barely tolerable temperatures were hovering around 36°C. The rescuers added they were also not properly equipped for the terrain, they lacked suitable hiking shoes and clothing and underestimated how demanding this imposing mountain which has claimed multiple lives could be.
One of the two hikers became dehydrated and exhausted, became disoriented, and was no longer able to continue walking on their own.
HGSS received the emergency call at 21:30. Sixteen rescuers from HGSS Makarska were sent out with five vehicles. The missing hikers were located with the help of a drone.
After first aid was provided, the more severely exhausted person had to be transported in a stretcher because they could not walk. The person was taken to an emergency medical team for further care. The rescue operation ended around 02:00, when all rescuers returned to their station.
HGSS later described the operation with a football-style message: “HGSS Makarska vs. Heat Wave and Biokovo, 2:0.” They warned that they are increasingly responding to incidents caused by high temperatures, lack of preparation and people underestimating the mountain.
They reminded visitors to avoid difficult hikes during extreme heat, carry enough water, wear appropriate equipment and realistically judge their own abilities before going into the mountains.
