Jadrolinija board to be dismissed after Lošinj island tragedy

Jadrolinija

The Croatian Ministry of Maritime Affairs, Transport and Infrastructure has completed its investigation into the accident involving the ferry Lastovo, which occurred on 11 August 2024 in Mali Lošinj.

The tragic incident resulted in the deaths of three people and left one person seriously injured after the bow ramp of the vessel fell unexpectedly.

The findings of the investigation were made public yesterday and officials from the Maritime Safety Directorate have proposed initiating legal proceedings against Jadrolinija, the CEO of he company, and the ship’s captain.

However, no violations were found among other crew members.

The investigation concluded that Jadrolinija’s safety management system was not fully implemented or maintained as required by EU Regulation, and also the captain of Lastovo violated the ship’s ISM Code, which outlines the responsibilities of crew members regarding the bow ramp system.

The Croatian government today confirmed that the entire management board of Jadrolinija will be dismissed.

Government spokesperson Marko Milić told Index.hr that Prime Minister Andrej Plenković met with Jadrolinija’s CEO David Sopta and that a decision to remove the management team will be made at the company’s upcoming assembly meeting.

Jadrolinija’s Lastovo ferry (Photo: Ivan T./ CC BY-SA 3.0)

Before the government’s announcement, David Sopta released a statement expressing his willingness to step down as CEO.

“Considering all circumstances, I am ready to resign and will accept any decision made by the Assembly. I take this opportunity to once again express my deepest condolences to the families of our late colleagues. We have signed a settlement to provide financial support to the families, ensuring they receive everything they are legally entitled to, along with additional aid from Jadrolinija,” Sopta said.

Although he does not feel personally responsible for the tragedy, Sopta acknowledged his moral obligation from day one and had already offered his resignation immediately after the accident.

Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Oleg Butković has stated that he will seek Sopta’s resignation at the Assembly meeting.

Legal action will be taken against the Jadrolinija management unless the State Attorney’s Office (DORH) decides to file criminal charges, Index.hr said.