July the 26th, 2026 – A frantic search is currently underway after a skipper fell overboard into the sea not far from Šolta, marking the second serious maritime incident near the island in a short time.
Index reports that a major search and rescue operation is currently underway in the waters off the island of Šolta after a skipper fell overboard from a charter catamaran and disappeared within minutes amid extremely poor weather conditions. The incident was reported at around 09:10, triggering an immediate response from Croatia’s maritime rescue services.
According to the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, Transport and Infrastructure, the missing man is an Austrian skipper. At the time of the accident, the sea was being battered by strong winds and rough conditions, making the search particularly difficult.
A large-scale rescue effort was launched involving two rescue boats from the Milna Harbour Master’s Office, one rescue boat from Hvar, three vessels from the Split Maritime and Airport Police, a Pilatus aircraft, and later a helicopter to assist with the aerial search. Authorities also issued a PAN-PAN urgency message via Split Radio, asking all vessels in the area to keep watch for the missing skipper.
The remaining six passengers, all of whom are Austrian nationals, were located unharmed aboard the catamaran. A replacement skipper was transferred to the vessel so it could safely continue to its next destination, where the passengers would disembark.
As of the latest update, the search remains ongoing, with emergency services continuing to comb the waters around Šolta in the hope of finding the missing skipper. Authorities have not released further details while the operation continues.
