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Man survives wildfire by clinging to gasoline canisters on SUP board
🇭🇷 Croatia /Disasters & Emergencies

Man survives wildfire by clinging to gasoline canisters on SUP board

From Večernji List · () Croatian

Translated from Croatian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • A man named Antonio Sviličić survived a wildfire by clinging to two canisters of gasoline and water on a SUP board in the sea.
  • He and his cousin were evacuated by sea after their attempts to help fight the fire with garden hoses proved futile.
  • Despite losing property to the fire, Sviličić expressed gratitude for being alive and able to rebuild.

Antonio Sviličić recounted a harrowing escape from a wildfire near Nemira, Croatia, by clinging to two gasoline canisters and water bottles while adrift on a Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) in the Adriatic Sea. The fire, which raged overnight, tragically claimed one life in a nearby area.

I was in the sea, the bura wind was blowing, sparks were flying over my head, so I dived to avoid inhaling the hot air. It was terrible.

— Antonio SviličićAntonio Sviličić described the terrifying conditions he faced while adrift at sea during the wildfire evacuation.

Sviličić and his cousin initially stayed behind to help fight the blaze while the rest of their family evacuated inland. However, as the fire rapidly spread from the hills, crossed the main road, and encroached on homes near the sea, they realized their efforts with a garden hose were insufficient.

"I was in the sea, the bura wind was blowing, sparks were flying over my head, so I dived to avoid inhaling the hot air. It was terrible," Sviličić described his ordeal. He managed to stay afloat by holding onto the 30 liters of gasoline and water, eventually paddling towards the shore until he was rescued by a boat carrying about 25 people, far exceeding its capacity.

I held onto those two canisters of gasoline in my hand, with 30 liters of gasoline, and that water under the other arm. And I floated there to, I don't know, the third beach.

— Antonio SviličićAntonio Sviličić explained how he managed to stay afloat with the help of gasoline canisters and water.

His cousin, who was also on a SUP board, was separated by waves and navigated through the thick smoke and darkness. He eventually reached the mouth of the Cetina River in Omiš and was picked up by rescuers after sending his location via mobile phone.

If I hadn't had the gasoline canisters, if I had swum, I would have drowned.

— Antonio SviličićAntonio Sviličić reflected on the critical role the gasoline canisters played in his survival.

Despite losing parts of his property, including a balcony fence, air conditioning unit, garage door, and apartment door, Sviličić expressed resilience. "Everything will be resolved, fixed. The important thing is that we are all here. Alive and well," he stated, emphasizing his gratitude for survival over material losses.

Everything will be resolved, fixed. The important thing is that we are all here. Alive and well.

— Antonio SviličićAntonio Sviličić expressed his gratitude for survival despite significant property damage from the wildfire.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Večernji List in Croatian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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