A diving instructor from the Republic of Croatia has gone missing near Lokrum Island. The Ministry of Maritime Traffic and Infrastructure announced that a search operation for the missing diver is currently underway.
Missing During Diving Trip
The National Center for Maritime Search and Rescue in Rijeka (MRCC Rijeka) initiated the search and rescue operation at 16:30 local time, following a report about the disappearance of the diving instructor, a Croatian citizen, received through the Dubrovnik Port and Aerodrome (PPAP Dubrovnik).
According to current information from the Dubrovnik Port Captaincy, the instructor's disappearance occurred during an organized diving trip with a group of foreign nationals shortly after arriving at the group diving location, on the outer side of Lokrum Island, where the depth ranges from 15 to 20 meters.
Immediately upon receiving the report, officers from the Dubrovnik Port Captaincy and the Danče rescue vessel, in cooperation with officers from the PPAP Dubrovnik, joined the search. The instructor's colleagues and employees of the diving club organizing the diving tour are also participating in the operation.
Members of the PPAP Dubrovnik's diving unit will also be involved in the underwater search, following a pre-established plan coordinated by the MRCC Rijeka.
(Jutarnji list)
This is a heart-wrenching situation for everyone involved. The diving community is tight-knit, and every minute counts. I hope they find him soon, but this incident highlights the risks of diving and the importance of safety measures. What can be done to improve safety for divers on these tours?