Members of the ERK Leut from Blace paid tribute to veterans with a symbolic dive to a depth of 31 meters, precisely at 5:00 AM, the moment when the Military-Police Operation Storm began 31 years ago.
On the 31st anniversary of the Military-Police Operation Storm, divers from the Ecological-Diving Club Leut from Blace performed a touching gesture of remembrance and gratitude. Exactly at 5:00 AM on August 5, 2026, at the moment when this crucial liberation operation began 31 years ago, they plunged into the dark waters beneath the Pelješac Bridge. Their goal was a depth of exactly 31 meters, symbolically chosen as one meter for each year of freedom.
Into the silence of the deep, they carried three flags: the Croatian tricolor, their club's flag, and the flag of the legendary 4th Guards Brigade, known as the "Spiders." This flag was provided by veterans of the 4th Guards Brigade from the Dubrovnik-Neretva County, who, although they did not dive themselves, became an integral part of this powerful act of remembrance. Among the divers were those who had lived through the Homeland War, as well as active members of the Croatian Army, symbolically connecting generations under the same flag.
From ERK Leut Blace, they stated that they did not want grand words or spectacle, but a simple, sincere, and profound gesture, much like the sea they submerged into. The entire operation was carried out with the support of the Ministry of Croatian Veterans.
"There are moments when words are not enough. Moments when respect, gratitude, and remembrance are best expressed through actions. That is why, this morning, in the silence of the sea, we marked the 31st anniversary of the Military-Police Operation Storm in a way that will remain etched in our memories forever," the club announced.
At a depth of 31 meters, where only breath and heartbeats are heard, they paid tribute to all Croatian veterans. In their message, they thanked the veterans of the 4th Guards Brigade for their trust, all veterans and active members of the Croatian Army who shared that moment with them, and the Ministry of Croatian Veterans for their support. They concluded their post with words that resonate powerfully: "Thank you that today we can dive in peace, under our own flag. We will never forget. We will never stop being grateful."
