ZAGREB, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- Two Portuguese tourists were rescued while a massive search operation continued for two others after their inflatable boat drifted off Croatia's northern Adriatic coast, Croatian national broadcaster HRT reported Wednesday.
The four individuals set off early Wednesday morning from a campsite near the coastal town of Senj, but their inflatable boat was quickly swept out to sea by strong winds.
A coordinated rescue effort located two of the tourists near Krk Island. A 33-year-old Portuguese woman was found first, followed shortly after by a Portuguese man. Two other men from the group remain missing.
According to Martina Pavletic, head of the Emergency Department at the Rijeka University Hospital Center, the rescued woman endured a grueling eight to ten hours drifting at sea, battling severe waves and powerful "Bura" gusts.
Despite her prolonged exposure, hospital officials confirmed that she is currently in stable condition under medical observation.
"We believe the missing individuals are still alive because the sea temperature is warm, and they are young people who can survive these conditions," said Mirko Rasic, search and rescue coordinator from the National Center for Coordination of Search and Rescue at Sea.
The intensive search operation involves harbor master vessels, police units, a military Pilatus aircraft, and a Ministry of the Interior helicopter.
Local authorities have strongly urged tourists to strictly monitor weather forecasts before entering the sea to mitigate safety risks.
