Tragic end to Sava search in Croatia: Three bodies recovered

An extensive search operation along the Sava River in the Rugvica municipality ended in tragedy after rescue teams recovered three bodies from the water. Authorities are working to confirm whether the remains belong to the three foreign men who disappeared on Sunday afternoon.

Unofficial reports indicate the missing men were Egyptian nationals. Police and forensic services will carry out identification procedures before officials release names. Investigators continue to establish the exact circumstances that led the group into the river.

Strong currents and a night pause in the search

Local fire units and multiple emergency services led the response. Dario Kezerić, commander of the Zagreb County Fire Association, said crews had been searching since about 14:00 the previous day, deploying 16 firefighters and four rescue boats alongside the police, the Croatian Mountain Rescue Service (HGSS) and the Red Cross.

Search operations were suspended overnight because of poor visibility and resumed at first light. Kezerić told HRT that two bodies were found within a short interval, followed soon after by a third, and that officials now must determine whether these are the people reported missing.

Authorities repeatedly warned that the Sava is unpredictable: strong river currents and frequent whirlpools make swimming and rescue work hazardous. Kezerić noted that even experienced teams encountered difficulties while combing that section of the river.

The local volunteer fire department in Rugvica initially alerted authorities after witnesses reported three men entering the Sava on Sunday afternoon. Police continue to investigate and will provide further updates once identifications and the inquiry into the circumstances are complete.