A dramatic event took place at the Port of Split on Monday morning when the Jadrolinija ferry, Petar Hektorović, broke free during a violent storm and collided with two neighboring vessels. This occurred around 9 a.m., coinciding with severe weather that brought torrential rain, hail, and strong winds to the area.
According to Vice Mihanović, director of the Split Port Authority, the impact of the ferry led to the sinking of a large tourist excursion vessel. The storm’s severity was marked by uprooted trees, power outages, and widespread flooding throughout the region.
Reports indicate that the mooring lines securing the Petar Hektorović snapped due to the intense winds, causing the ferry to drift through the harbor before colliding with the Krilo catamaran and the tourist boat. Eyewitnesses described how quickly the situation escalated, with one onlooker noting that the ferry seemed to vanish from its dock in an instant, propelled by the wind into the other vessels.
Fortunately, initial reports from Jadrolinija stated that there were no injuries reported and no sea pollution detected as a result of the incident. They highlighted the effective response of the ferry’s captain and crew, who swiftly dropped both anchors to regain control and prevent further damage.
As the Port of Split continues to assess the aftermath of the storm, emergency services remain on-site, and an investigation into the incident is underway. The extent of damage to the ferry and other vessels is still being evaluated. Jadrolinija’s Petar Hektorović is a prominent ferry within its fleet, serving several coastal routes.
This incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of weather and its potential impact on maritime operations. The situation, while chaotic, highlights the importance of quick thinking and preparedness among maritime crews during extreme conditions, ultimately mitigating further risks to safety and the environment.