British tourist severely injured by speedboat propeller near Montenegro's Blue Cave

A British tourist sustained severe injuries to both legs after being struck by a speedboat propeller near the Blue Cave on the Luštica peninsula in Montenegro. The incident took place on Saturday while the woman was swimming in one of the smaller sea caves adjacent to the well-known Blue Cave.

According to reports, the speedboat, which had transported the British tourist and other visitors to the cave, was being maneuvered by its skipper, identified as Ž.M. The skipper reportedly panicked due to strong currents and waves pushing the boat towards the cave wall. He cut the engine just as the tourist was swimming near the rear of the vessel, resulting in her legs being caught by the propeller.

The injured tourist was immediately pulled from the water onto the speedboat, which then headed to Portonovi marina in Kumbor. From there, she was handed over to an emergency medical team from Herceg Novi and transported for further treatment. Hercegnovska police have launched an investigation into the incident, gathering information to determine whether the skipper will face administrative or criminal charges.

Unconfirmed reports indicate the speedboat belongs to an entrepreneur from Kotor who operates taxi boat and excursion tours. This individual has reportedly been fined nearly 40,000 euros this summer by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs for various violations of navigation safety laws. The Ministry recently implemented new regulations prohibiting motorboat entry into the Blue Cave due to accident risks, but some operators continue to disregard these rules, entering the cave or nearby smaller caves with tourists.