On the night of June 16, 2025, the high-speed catamaran ferry Melita began taking on water just minutes before reaching the Port of Zadar, Croatia.
The vessel, carrying 38 passengers and five crew members, suffered a hull breach. The emergency occurred around 10 p.m., prompting an urgent rescue operation coordinated by the Zadar Port Authority and the state-owned ferry Jadran, operated by Jadrolinija.
Thanks to the swift response, all on board were safely evacuated onto a liferaft, which was towed to the Jadran and transported to the nearby port of Gaženica. Local media captured moments of relief as rescued passengers applauded their rescuers while safely aboard the raft. The ship’s captain was the last to abandon the vessel, which, despite severe flooding, remained afloat after the rescue.
Zadar Prefect Josip Bilaver confirmed that while some individuals were hospitalized for examination, no injuries or fatalities were reported. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the maritime incident.
