Dubrovnik's Harbour Master, Mato Kekez, in his statement regarding the maritime accident yesterday afternoon in which kayaks capsized, confirmed that the search has been suspended, and all missing kayaks have been found.
- A kayak with all the equipment was found on Lokrum, which suggests that the individuals are okay. We were searching for people, but the kayak was not found in the sea. The kayak was neatly found on Lokrum; it was not in the water - emphasized Kekez, adding that the search has been halted, and they have concluded that they are not looking for individuals.
He stated that they do not know who the excursionists on the kayaks are since rental companies are not obliged to collect a list of excursionists, and those who were thought to have disappeared had privately rented kayaks without a guide.
- They went from multiple locations, some of them were double kayaks - Kekez added, explaining that there is no basis for any sanctions against any of the actors in the maritime accident. - We have no regulations because the kayaks were legally rented. The users paid for it properly, went out to sea, it's their risk. The only thing they should have done is to inform passengers about the weather conditions - said Kekez.
When asked if this means that such a situation can happen again, he answered affirmatively. - We can make suggestions to increase safety, but no one can guarantee that such a situation will happen today. Kayaks have the right to navigate and stay within 500 meters from the shore and adhere to the rules of maritime vessels - concluded the harbour master.