When helicopters fail, you can count on Jadrolinija ferries to step in
We are aware our posts about Jadrolinija may not always be positive, but when it comes to the captains and crew working for this Croatian ferry company, they always come through when needed. In the early morning hours of February 4, 2016, crew and captain of the ferry travelling between the island Vis and Split most probably saved the lives of an expecting mother and her unborn baby with their swift action.
The ferry was already a mile out when an urgent call came through asking them to pick up a pregnant woman on Vis who needed urgent hospital admittance in Split. Because of strong winds, the army helicopter could not take off or land safely, so turning the ferry around was their only option.
The ferry departed with a slight delay and the expecting mother, accompanied by her doctor, made it to Split’s Firule hospital in time. Index.hr spoke to Ante Mrvica, Jadrolinija’s coordinator for the Split area. “As soon my phone rang this morning at 5:33 AM, I knew something was wrong. Within seconds, I called the captain of the ferry that was already on its way to Split and asked him to turn around”. Mr Mrvica added that such actions are not uncommon or unusual since whenever helicopters cannot fly because of bad weather, ferries are there to help.
“The name of the captain who saved an expecting mother this morning is Jere Lukšić. He has a few more months until retirement and it is not the first time he has reacted instantly. In situations like this, you never say I am tired or my shift is over, and we simply don’t have time to ask the Board for approval. Decisions have to be made in an instant because human lives are always more valuable than any material goods” Mrvica added.
Mum and her unborn baby are doing well, we wish them and the entire Jadrolinija crew all the best.
