​Severe weather in Croatia: Several yachts run aground in a popular sailing bay

Unije is part of the archipelago surrounding Lošinj and is known amongst sailors as a peaceful anchorage. However, during the night of 19 July, Potkujni Bay became the scene of a mass accident. According to eyewitness accounts, at around 3.45 am, a ‘Nevera’ storm swept across the bay from the north-west, bringing gusts of up to 60 knots. Within minutes, buoys were reportedly torn from their moorings and anchors failed to hold. At least one catamaran and one sailing boat ran aground on the rocks, whilst eyewitness accounts mention many more boats. As things stand, the total number of boats affected has not been confirmed.

Nevera attacks a sailor whilst he is asleep

The Nevera is a phenomenon typical of the Croatian Adriatic: a thermally triggered thunderstorm vortex that develops suddenly and is virtually impossible to predict locally. It always approaches from the west and, at its centre, can reach wind speeds in the hurricane range, though it usually lasts only 15 to 45 minutes. Anyone who has experienced such a front on board describes its onset as almost instantaneous – which makes anchor watches and a prepared crew all the more crucial, as a Nevera at 60 knots in Croatia shows what a couple of sailors experienced off the coast of Rovinj in the summer of 2025.

According to consistent reports, residents of the island helped the crews involved during the night; no injuries have been reported from the bay so far.

Shipwreck south of Cape Kamenjak

Regardless of the events on Unije, a sailing yacht with an Austrian crew got into distress south of Cape Kamenjak and was shipwrecked. According to reports, three people moved to a life raft and were subsequently rescued. It has not yet been officially confirmed whether the incident is directly linked to the storm system that occurred during the night. The yacht was due to be towed.

Campsites on Lošinj have been badly damaged

On land, the storm caused considerable damage on Lošinj and in the area around Nerezine. Campsites were devastated and trees were uprooted. No final official figures are yet available on the number of people injured on land.

What the night means for travellers to Croatia

Anchorage bays in the Croatian archipelago often offer little protection from westerly winds. If the wind shifts to an onshore direction and, in doing so, snags buoys or drags anchors free, even a supposedly safe bay can become a trap – how strandings occur on Legerwall A guide on yacht.de explains how to avoid them.

For the 2026 summer season, the following applies: Weather conditions in Kvarner Bay and along the Dalmatian coast should be reassessed on a daily basis, even when high-pressure systems are stable. Standard weather models often provide unreliable forecasts for the Nevera.

Were you out on the water in Kvarner Bay that night, or did you see the damage for yourselves? Share your experiences in the comments.