Body of missing boy found in Drava River

The body of an eight-year-old boy has been recovered from the Drava River following a four-day search.

The child was reported missing on Wednesday evening in Selnica Podravska, in the municipality of Legrad. A large-scale search operation was launched immediately, involving around 200 people, including police divers, mountain rescue teams, Red Cross volunteers and other emergency services.

The boy's body was found on Saturday afternoon, approximately two kilometres downstream from the location where he disappeared, according to Koprivnica-Križevci County Police.

Legrad Mayor Ivan Sabolić expressed his condolences to the boy's family and thanked all those who took part in the search effort.

"I must thank everyone who participated because they made superhuman efforts to complete this search. Unfortunately, it ended tragically for all of us. We had hoped for a different outcome. However, the body was found, so at least the family will have a proper farewell," Sabolić said.

Police have launched an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

One of the key questions investigators will seek to answer is how a group of underage children, including some who could not swim, ended up in a dangerous section of the river.

The incident occurred at an unregulated swimming spot, commonly referred to as a "wild" beach. While the area is not officially designated for swimming, local residents occasionally use it during the summer months.