A disco boat sank in the icy waters of the Sava River on Sunday morning near Belgrade. Authorities confirmed that more than a hundred people were aboard, and the chaotic moments as the vessel began to list sent some passengers into a state of panic. Rescue teams swung into action, pulling people from the frigid current as dawn light struggled to reach the riverbank. The scene was crowded with anxious onlookers and emergency responders working in tandem to manage the unfolding crisis, as crews established a perimeter and began systematic evacuations that would later be counted in the hundreds. In the end, 114 individuals were accounted for, including several minors, and the tense process of ensuring everyone was safe continued through the early hours of daylight as cold air nipped at exposed skin and equipment crews conducted roll calls to confirm who had been rescued. The mood was solemn as the magnitude of the incident sank in, yet there remained a stubborn resolve to support those affected and to document every detail with care and precision.
Emergency services received the initial alerts shortly after midnight. Upon arrival, responders quickly assessed that the boat was taking on water and began scraping together a rapid evacuation plan. The operation, unfolding in porches of noise and sirens, saw teams methodically shepherding passengers to safety, gathering information from those rescued and from witnesses, and coordinating with hospital facilities to prepare for potential in urgencies. With the river running unusually cold in early morning hours, crews focused on maintaining order, protecting the vulnerable, and keeping a careful tally of everyone who reached shore. The official count eventually placed the number of evacuees at 114, a figure that included several under the age of adulthood, underscoring the human stakes involved in the incident and the ongoing need for coordinated aid and support for families affected by the event.
Authorities are actively working to determine the causes behind the sinking, while preliminary statements suggest that some form of altercation may have occurred before the vessel went down, according to the RTS channel. Investigators are gathering testimonies from witnesses, reviewing surveillance footage from nearby vantage points, and inspecting the boat’s construction and safety equipment to assess whether any malfunctions contributed to the disaster. At the same time, safety officials are reviewing port procedures and the typical routes taken by boats anchored along the confluence of two major rivers, with an eye toward preventing future incidents and improving response times. In the days ahead, the inquiry will consider weather conditions, the boat’s maintenance records, passenger capacity limits, and the adequacy of life-saving gear onboard to determine if any single factor or a combination of factors led to the sinking. The process will be thorough and deliberate, aiming to provide clarity for the families involved and for the broader public that relies on transparent reporting of such events.
The confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers is a well known venue for parties on boats docked near port areas, a location that frequently hosts events and festivities that attract large crowds. Notably, a similar incident occurred on New Year’s Eve in 2022 at a neighboring site, though that incident did not result in casualties, offering a point of comparison for authorities as they evaluate risk, safety protocols, and crowd management practices. Local officials have emphasized ongoing efforts to reinforce safety measures for riverine gatherings, including enhanced monitoring during peak social periods, stricter adherence to passenger limits, and the deployment of additional life-saving equipment on vessels operating in these waters. The investigation and subsequent safety reviews are expected to inform adjustments to regulations and best practices for river cruise operators, ensuring that celebrations can continue with greater preparedness and accountability while minimizing the chances of a recurrence in the future.