Four Portuguese tourists missing in Velebit Channel as search operation underway

Archive (Photo: Ministry of Sea, Transport and Infrastructure)

**Article updated at the end

ZAGREB, 12 August 2026 – Four Portuguese nationals are missing in the Velebit Channel after setting out in a small inflatable boat during severe weather, with a coordinated search and rescue operation under way off the Croatian coast, the Ministry of Sea, Transport and Infrastructure confirmed on Wednesday.

The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre Rijeka (MRCC Rijeka) received a report at 4.41am on Wednesday, 12 August, from an acquaintance of the four missing people.

According to the report, the group had left a local campsite north of Senj in a recreational inflatable boat measuring around 1.5 metres in length, intending to paddle towards Senj. Contact with them was subsequently lost.

The search operation was launched immediately in coordination with the Port Authority of Senj, Port Authority of Rijeka and the Novi Vinodolski branch office.

Weather conditions in the area have been particularly difficult, with strong Bura winds and waves reaching more than two metres. Gusts of around 60 knots, equivalent to approximately 111 km/h, have been recorded in parts of the search area.

During the operation, an abandoned floating object was found near the coast of Krk, matching the description of the boat used by the missing group.

MRCC Rijeka has requested the deployment of available vessels from the Rijeka maritime police as soon as weather conditions allow. Some units have temporarily moved into sheltered waters because of the severe conditions.

The Croatian Coast Guard has also been asked to deploy a Pilatus PC-9 aircraft to search a wider area of the Velebit Channel.

Meanwhile, officers from the Crikvenica Police Station are conducting searches along the coastline and gathering information about the missing people.

The search and rescue operation remains ongoing, with MRCC Rijeka continuing to coordinate the response and regularly update the Primorje-Gorski Kotar Police Department.

****UPDATE*****

14:50

Nenad Bugarin, captain of the Senj Harbour Master’s Office said a female person was found alive in the sea at around 11.40 in the Butinj bay. She was handed over to medical personnel in Novi Vinodolski so that, if necessary, she could be given appropriate assistance. 

Another person, a male, was also confirmed found alive on the rocks this afternoon. 

The search for the remaining two people was continuing. Click HERE for full details.