Croatian emergency services rescued 30 migrants after their boat capsized on the Sava river, which runs at dangerously high levels after severe flooding, InfoMigrants reports.

The incident highlights the risks migrants face when they cross the Balkan route, where swollen rivers and cold weather routinely turn smuggling crossings deadly. The Sava forms part of the border between Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, and irregular crossings along its banks have increased pressure on border authorities in both countries.

What happened on the Sava?

A boat carrying migrants capsized during a crossing of the flooded river. Croatian rescue teams responded and pulled 30 people from the water. The report does not state whether anyone remains missing or whether authorities have detained or identified those rescued.

High water levels on the Sava, driven by recent flooding in the region, have made the river especially hazardous for small boats used by smugglers. Authorities have repeatedly warned that fast currents and debris pose a lethal threat to anyone attempting the crossing.

Who is affected?

The rescue involved migrants travelling the Western Balkans route, one of the main irregular corridors into the European Union. People on this route frequently attempt river crossings to evade border checks between Croatia and its non-EU neighbours. Smugglers typically use unsuitable vessels and launch crossings at night or in poor conditions, which raises the risk of capsizing.

The rescued individuals now enter Croatia's asylum and reception procedures. Under EU rules, anyone expressing an intention to seek asylum must have that request registered, and pushbacks of asylum seekers at internal EU borders are prohibited under European Court of Justice case law.

Why the Sava crossing is dangerous

• The river is in flood, with currents far stronger than normal.
• Smugglers use small, overloaded boats that cannot handle rough water.
• Cold water temperatures sharply reduce survival time for anyone thrown into the river.
• Border terrain along the Sava is remote, delaying emergency response.

International Organization for Migration data have shown for years that the Mediterranean and Balkan routes carry some of the highest death tolls for migrants worldwide. River crossings on the Balkan route have caused repeated drownings in past flooding seasons.

What comes next?

Croatian authorities have not announced any change to border operations or search-and-rescue protocols in response to the incident. Aid groups operating in the region continue to urge migrants not to attempt river crossings during floods and to seek assistance through official channels.

Migrants in Croatia can approach police to lodge an asylum claim, and can contact the Croatian Red Cross and UNHCR partner organisations for information about reception and asylum procedures.

Passport File publishes this report for general information only. It does not constitute legal advice for any individual case. Readers should rely on official announcements from the Croatian Ministry of the Interior and the Croatian Red Cross for authoritative guidance.