Drone helps rescuers find and save missing man from Čikola Canyon

(Photo: HGSS)

A missing man was successfully rescued from the rugged Čikola Canyon near the town of Drniš on Monday evening following a challenging multi-agency operation involving the Croatian Mountain Rescue Service (HGSS), firefighters and drone teams.

HGSS said that the rescue began at 18:40 after the Šibenik station received a request for assistance from Croatia’s emergency call centre.

Initial information suggested the missing person could be in the Čikola River canyon below the historic tower overlooking Drniš.

Within a short time, 15 HGSS rescuers were deployed to the area, supported by two drones and five firefighters from the Drniš Volunteer Fire Brigade.

Due to the canyon’s extremely difficult terrain, search teams approached from several directions. While drones searched from above, rescuers descended the steep cliffs using ropes, while others searched the dry riverbed below.

As dusk fell, a drone operator spotted the missing man in a steep gully beneath the tower.

(Photo: HGSS)

Rescuers reached him with a stretcher and first aid equipment, provided immediate medical assistance, immobilised him and prepared him for evacuation. At the same time, another team established rope anchor systems above the canyon to safely lift both the casualty and rescuers back to the plateau.

The injured man was then handed over to emergency medical personnel for further treatment. The demanding rescue operation was completed at 22:30.

(Photo: HGSS)

Throughout the mission, one of the drones remained overhead, providing additional lighting that improved visibility and enabled rescue teams to work more safely in the difficult conditions.

HGSS said the successful outcome reflected the extensive training, preparation and dedication of its volunteer rescuers, whose coordinated efforts helped save the man’s life.

(Photo: HGSS)