HGSS Rescues Foreigner on Biokovo for Hours
Exhausted hiker stranded at 1,050 meters due to unsuitable footwear and heat, rescue operation lasted until early morning hours.
Exhausted hiker stranded at 1,050 meters due to unsuitable footwear and heat, rescue operation lasted until early morning hours.
The HGSS Station Makarska had their hands full on the night from Wednesday to Thursday after a foreign national got into serious trouble on Biokovo. He set out on the demanding mountain trail completely unprepared, wearing flip-flops, which, combined with the summer heat and lack of water, proved to be fatal.
The report was received on August 6, 2026, at 6:30 PM. The man got lost in the Sutvid area above Živogošće, at approximately 1,050 meters above sea level. During the phone call, he stated that he had run out of water and was overcome by severe exhaustion, making it impossible for him to continue walking reliably or determine the way back.
Four rescuers were immediately dispatched to the scene, but due to the extremely challenging terrain, they were soon joined by four more members of the Makarska HGSS station. A multi-hour night ascent to the injured hiker followed.
The rescuers reached the lost man at 10:50 PM. At the scene, they provided him with first aid, and after he rested and rehydrated, they began a cautious descent towards the vehicle. The entire rescue operation was successfully completed at 2:50 AM, when all participants returned safely.
From HGSS, they once again appealed to all visitors of Biokovo to carefully plan their trip before heading into the mountains. During summer heat, it is mandatory to carry an adequate supply of water, avoid the hottest part of the day, and wear appropriate hiking boots. In this situation, the danger was increased by the fact that the injured person went on the challenging mountain route wearing flip-flops, which significantly hindered his progress and increased the risk of an incident.
