The Melita catamaran, operating on the Zadar – Sali route, experienced an accident on Monday evening, just minutes before entering the port of Zadar. Water penetrated the hull due to stormy weather, causing partial sinking of the vessel. There were 38 passengers and 5 crew members on board. All were successfully rescued thanks to the quick response of rescue services, including the ferry Jadran and the Zadar harbor master. Some passengers were taken to hospital due to shock. An investigation into the causes of the accident is ongoing. The event attracted significant media and public attention, with passengers describing dramatic moments during the rescue. The catamaran is about 40 years old and recently passed a technical inspection. The owner of the vessel is the company GV Line Iadera.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning sources emphasize the human aspect of the accident, focusing on the experiences and trauma of the passengers, the quick and effective rescue operation, and the need for better safety standards and regulations for older vessels. They may also highlight the responsibility of the company and authorities to ensure passenger safety and call for accountability and improvements in maritime safety.
Center: Center-leaning sources report the facts of the accident in a balanced manner, providing detailed information about the event, the rescue operation, and the ongoing investigation. They focus on the technical details of the incident, the response by rescue services, and the status of the passengers, without strong editorializing. They also provide background on the vessel and its ownership.
Right: Right-leaning sources may emphasize the efficiency and heroism of the rescue teams and the captain, highlighting the successful evacuation without casualties. They might also stress the importance of maintaining infrastructure and the challenges posed by natural elements like stormy weather. There may be less focus on systemic issues and more on individual responsibility and the resilience of the maritime transport system.
