Wildfire Forces Hundreds into the Adriatic; Croatian Rescuers Pull 194 from the Sea

A wildfire reached the Croatian coast near Omis on August 13 and sent hundreds of residents and tourists into the Adriatic. An overnight rescue operation pulled 194 of them out by dawn.

The fire cut off escape routes along the coastal strip between Nemira and Ruskamen after midnight. Rescue boats from Split harbour authority and police stations in Makarska, Milna, and Hvar, plus coast guard and civilian boats, responded through the night.

Thirty-six people needed medical help. Fourteen were hospitalised. Ten went into intensive care. Seven were in life-threatening condition at KBC Split, most with serious burns.

Croatia's Adriatic coast has been one of Europe's hardest-hit wildfire zones this summer. The Omis area lies below steep karst hills that can trap fire and block land exits within minutes.

MarineRadar tracked over 120 devices in the Croatian Adriatic area during the incident, in line with the heightened activity from the rescue fleet.