Split: Czech minister lays wreath at sea for fallen compatriots

Czech Foreign Minister Petr Macinka laid wreaths at sea on Thursday during an official visit to the Split waters in memory of the Czech tourists who tragically died in a maritime accident that occurred in mid-June when a catamaran and a sailboat collided.

Czech Minister Petr Macinka, who arrived in Split accompanied by the Minister of Sports and a dozen journalists, said that the accident was an extraordinary case and that he was sure that Croatia was conducting a standard investigation.

“I don't think something like this has ever happened before. So, it's one case, it doesn't indicate any systemic problem. Of course we are very sorry for what happened. Now we have the opportunity to pay tribute to the memory of those people who died here. Such incidents don't happen here every day or every year. I know that,” said Minister Macinka.

He said that he fully believes that the investigation into the case will be standard, and that he does not want to intervene in it, emphasizing that it is a sad story.

“I have been coming here year after year for sailing, so I feel the spirit of this part of Croatia, the islands, yachts and ships. I thank my Croatian colleague for including this time in our program. I really appreciate it. Thank you,” said the Czech minister.

A wreath was also laid in the sea by the Croatian Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić Radman, who, among other things, said that with this act they sent a message to the families of the victims, but also to the entire Czech people and authorities that our thoughts are with them and that we show empathy and say that Croatia has always been a host and has been happy for Czech tourists.

“We wanted to send a message that Croatia will continue to care and take care of all Czech citizens, as well as that we are very sorry for this tragedy. I am glad that the idea of laying wreaths was accepted by the Czech minister, and that County Prefect Blaženko Boban and Mayor Tomislav Šuta are here today. Investigations are ongoing, conducted by the County State Attorney's Office. The sunken sailboat has not yet been pulled from the sea due to the complexity of the procedure, but also in order to preserve evidence and at the family's suggestion to extend the deadline for pulling the sailboat,” said Minister Grlić Radman.

The journalists were interested in information about the recent death of a young Croat in South America, to which they received the answer that the Croatian Embassy in Washington is also responsible for the Dominican Republic and is monitoring the case, adding that the ministry is in contact with the family.

The maritime accident in the Split waters occurred in the morning hours of mid-June, between Šolta and Brač, where the catamaran "Krilo Eclipse" and the sailboat "Beneteau Oceanis 56.1" collided, killing four Czech citizens and injuring the same number.

There were eight Czechs on board the sailboat, while the catamaran had 125 passengers and crew members. After the collision, the sailboat sank to a depth of 50 meters, and divers recovered the body of the fourth Czech victim a day later. The catamaran entered the port of Milna after the collision, and at the time of the accident it was sailing from Split to Hvar, while the sailboat was heading towards the Split gates.

The investigation into this maritime tragedy is still ongoing, witnesses have been questioned, the first officer has been released from pre-trial detention, and the sunken sailboat is still sitting in the depths of the Split waters.

Source: HRT/HINA