In August 2007, as summer waned, disaster struck Veliki Kornat in Croatia’s picturesque Kornati archipelago. Thirteen firefighters battled ferociously to save the island’s fragile ecosystem. Still, the mission cost twelve lives, leaving a lone survivor to share their story of courage and resilience. The Kornati Tragedy, etched in Croatia’s memory as a catastrophic peacetime event, invites us to examine enigmatic theories, investigate official findings, and honor the fallen through the poignant Memorial Crosses of the Kornati Islands. Join us as we uncover the gripping tale of a disaster that forever marked a nation’s heart.
The Accident
In the waning days of summer, on August 30, 2007, a devastating tragedy unfolded on the sun-drenched shores of Veliki Kornat, an island nestled within the Kornati archipelago along Croatia’s idyllic coastline. A team of thirteen intrepid firefighters embarked on a mission to quell the raging flames that threatened to consume the island’s fragile ecosystem.
Yet, in a harrowing twist of fate, twelve of these courageous souls would never return home, succumbing to the relentless inferno on the island or in the sterile confines of nearby hospitals.
Against all odds, a single survivor emerged from the ashes: Frane Lučić, a 23-year-old firefighter hailing from the picturesque town of Tisno. His tale of perseverance and endurance would be inscribed in the chronicles of Croatian history. The Kornati Tragedy left an indelible mark on the collective consciousness as one of the most catastrophic peacetime accidents to befall the Republic of Croatia.
The Theories About the Cause of the Catastrophe
Eruptive fire
The Eruptive fire was an official explanation initially disseminated to the public. Yet, as the embers cooled, speculation continued to smoke, giving rise to many conjectures regarding the actual cause of this devastating event.
Fuel leak from a rescue helicopter
One such hypothesis postulates that a fuel leak from a rescue helicopter ignited the devastating fire. This idea, supported by firefighters from Vodice and a bereaved father, is based on missing black boxes, maintenance records, and military presence on the island.
However, aviation expert Miljenko Čop asserts that the helicopters were well-inspected and a pilot would have landed if a leak had been detected.
The ignition of remnants of a NATO bomb caused the fire
A more intriguing theory, backed by the lone surviving firefighter, Frane Lučić, suggests that remnants of a NATO bomb from the 1999 Kosovo Crisis may have ignited the devastating blaze, leading to the tragic inferno.
A seasoned Croatian Army officer, who has meticulously examined the case through the lens of satellite imagery and firefighter injuries, posits that lingering ordinance from NATO’s bombing campaign may have sparked the deadly conflagration.
Despite the intriguing allure of this elusive theory with no tangible evidence, the actual cause of the Kornati tragedy is likely to be the official investigation results.
The result of the official investigation
In August 2008, a baffling disaster shook Šipnata Bay, impacting the local community. After an eight-month investigation, experts identified the cause: a rare, dangerous phenomenon called inhomogeneous gas mixture combustion.
The fire ignited nearby flora, creating a gas buildup in the gorge. Intense winds unleashed an inferno, reaching 1200 °C and speeding across the landscape at over 40 m/s. This rare occurrence has been seen in a few instances, like the 2003 Australian bushfires and the 2000 Corsica wildfires.
Branko Šimara, a key investigator, claimed the dead firefighters were unprepared for such an event. The deadly gas mixture they inhaled severely damaged their lungs. Frane Lučić, the lone survivor, was saved by his protective gear. This investigation highlights the unpredictable nature of Earth’s forces and the importance of safety precautions in hazardous situations.
The Memorial Crosses of Kornati Islands
A sad and poignant tribute stands tall in the Kornati Islands, commemorating the fearless firefighters who perished while performing their sworn duty. Majestic memorial crosses, spanning 25 meters in length and 15 meters in width, have been skillfully crafted by human hands, utilizing the traditional drywall technique and assembling components without machinery. These crosses pay homage to the heroism of these fearless firefighters and underscore the significance of fire safety.
The visionary behind the crosses is the esteemed Croatian architect Nikola Bašić, famed for his mesmerizing installations, the Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun in Zadar.
Each cross features three plaques on the left side of the arm, symbolically positioned at the heart. These plaques bear the firefighter’s name, the volunteer firefighting unit they were affiliated with, and a poignant verse their family chose.
The construction of these crosses and the accompanying chapel dedicated to St. Florian spanned two months and involved the tireless efforts of approximately 2,500 volunteers. Led by firefighters and builders from the association for preserving the cultural and natural heritage of the island of Pag, “Suhozid,” the builders repurposed 400 cubic meters of existing Kornati stone for the project.
This hallowed monument perpetually echoes the generous sacrifices of these courageous firefighters. It underscores the enduring obligation to pay tribute to those who bravely risk their lives to safeguard others.
How to Reach the Memorial Crosses of Kornati Islands
The Memorial Crosses of Kornati Islands are accessible through various means. Nestled at the hill’s base near Šipnate Bay on Kornat Island, a quay welcomes boats and kayaks. However, its height may pose challenges, especially during low tide.
Alternatively, journey to Šipnate Bay by boat and then traverse on foot towards the Memorial Site. A well-trodden path connects the waterfront to the monument.
At the same time, neighboring bays offer additional walking routes for the intrepid explorer.
As we reflect on the Kornati Tragedy, we’re reminded of nature’s power and the fragility of human life. This event is a testament to the courageous firefighters who faced nature’s fury. The Memorial Crosses of Kornati Islands honor their sacrifice and symbolize the importance of fire safety and preparedness. Though the precise causes remain elusive, the fallen heroes’ legacy endures in the nation’s heart. Their cautionary story urges us to learn from the past and strengthen our defenses against nature’s unpredictable forces. Let’s commit to understanding, preparedness, and protecting our communities in tribute to their memory.
