Hurricane‑Force Storm Strikes Split Harbour, Ferry Breaks Moorings and Sinks Tourist Boat – 8 July 2025

A powerful storm packing hurricane-force winds slammed into Split, Croatia, on the morning of 8 July 2025, causing widespread damage across the city and maritime infrastructure. Among the most dramatic moments was the breakaway of a Jadrolinija ferry that collided with a catamaran and sank a nearby tourist vessel. While no fatalities occurred, the chaotic scene highlighted the vulnerability of harbors to sudden extreme weather events.

Storm Formation and Landfall

• The storm developed rapidly as a mesoscale convective system, descending on Split just after 9 a.m. local time.
• Wind speeds exceeded 140 km/h (87 mph), accompanied by torrential rain and hail, toppling trees and causing power outages city-wide.
• Sirens warned residents and tourists to seek shelter as emergency services scrambled to respond.

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• A Jadrolinija ferry broke free from its moorings under the force of the winds and was pushed into a docked catamaran before striking a smaller tourist boat.
• The tourist boat sank rapidly; one person was seen leaping to safety just before submersion. No injuries were officially reported.
• The ferry’s captain and crew were credited with quick action, deploying the ship’s anchor to halt further drift and damage.

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• Two Marella Cruises vessels—Marella Explorer and Marella Explorer 2—were docked at Split during the storm as part of a summer Mediterranean itinerary.
• Though neither cruise ship sustained serious damage, onboard conditions were reported as severe, prompting heightened port security and assistance measures.

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• Split experienced severe infrastructural damage, including flooded streets, downed power lines, and a heavily damaged stadium roof.
• Emergency services were overwhelmed with calls, and traffic remained paralyzed for hours due to storm-related debris.

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• The storm followed days of extreme Balkan heat, with temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F).
• Meteorologists cited the sharp atmospheric contrast as a key driver behind the sudden and violent weather outbreak.