Search for missing Portuguese national in Velebitski kanal suspended, to continue via monitoring

Croatian authorities have suspended a coordinated search for a missing Portuguese national in the Velebitski kanal, a waterway between the mainland and the island of Pag. The search, which involved multiple agencies including the Coast Guard and mountain rescue services, will now transition to routine maritime traffic monitoring by the Port Authority of Rijeka.

The disappearance occurred on August 12 when four Portuguese citizens set out in a small inflatable boat during stormy weather from a campsite northwest of Senj. A large-scale search and rescue operation was launched immediately.

During the multi-day operation, two individuals were found alive and unharmed on the first day. The body of a third person was recovered later. Despite extensive efforts, the fourth individual, a Portuguese national, remains missing. The challenging weather conditions, including strong winds and high waves, significantly hampered the search efforts during the initial days.