The Parliamentary Committee on Maritime Affairs, Transport, and Infrastructure adopted conclusions following a thematic session focused on safety on Jadrolinija, especially after the death of three sailors on the Lastovo ferry. The committee emphasized that passenger and crew safety must be an absolute priority and called for continuous improvement of safety protocols and crew training. It also highlighted the need to address the shortage of qualified workforce in the maritime sector. Jadrolinija, as the most important national shipping company, transports over 12 million passengers annually, and the committee welcomed announced measures for fleet modernization and improvement of working conditions. The committee vice-chair Ivana Marković noted that problems in the sector still persist, including insufficient number of ferries and delays in transport.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning outlets emphasize the need for improved working conditions for sailors and the importance of government oversight to ensure safety standards. They highlight the tragedy as a consequence of systemic neglect and call for increased investment in public maritime infrastructure and labor rights.
Center: Center-leaning sources focus on the factual reporting of the parliamentary committee’s conclusions, emphasizing the importance of safety protocols and modernization efforts. They present a balanced view of the tragedy, acknowledging the challenges in the maritime sector and the steps being taken to address them.
Right: Right-leaning media stress the importance of maintaining national maritime sovereignty and the role of Jadrolinija as a key national asset. They highlight the need for efficiency and competitiveness in the fleet modernization and often emphasize the responsibility of the crew and management in ensuring safety.