BELGRADE – Rescue teams are searching for several missing people after a boat carrying 10 Chinese citizens capsized in the Danube River on the border between Serbia and Croatia.

According to reports, the incident occurred late at night when 10 Chinese citizens and one Serbian national were aboard the boat. Reports indicate that some people are still missing. The accident happened near Bačka Palanka in Serbia, approximately 90 kilometers northwest of Belgrade. Police have not yet issued any official statement.

Also Read:

According to local media in Serbia and Croatia, the group was attempting to illegally enter Croatia, a European Union member, with the help of a Serbian boat operator. Serbia is located on the Balkan land route to Western Europe.

Danube River

The Danube River is Europe’s second-longest river, flowing through or along the borders of ten countries from Germany’s Black Forest to the Black Sea. It has served as a vital trade route and a strategic military frontier for centuries, most famously as the northern boundary of the Roman Empire. Today, its scenic beauty and historic cities, including Vienna, Budapest, and Belgrade, make it a major tourist destination.

Belgrade

Belgrade is the capital of Serbia, situated at the strategic confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers. Due to its location, it has been a significant settlement for millennia, with a history marked by frequent battles and a recorded past of being destroyed and rebuilt over 40 times. Today, it is a vibrant European city known for its lively nightlife and historic Belgrade Fortress.

Bačka Palanka

Bačka Palanka is a town in Serbia located on the Danube River, historically part of the Vojvodina region. Its history is marked by its strategic position, with a fortress built by the Habsburg Monarchy in the 18th century as part of the Military Frontier to defend against the Ottoman Empire. Today, it serves as an important economic and cultural center in the area.

Serbia

Serbia is a Balkan nation with a rich and complex history, once the core of powerful medieval kingdoms and later a key republic within Yugoslavia. Its cultural identity is deeply shaped by Orthodox Christian traditions, visible in monasteries like Studenica, which date back to the 12th century. Today, it is known for its vibrant capital, Belgrade, and a mix of historic influences from the Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian empires.

Croatia

Croatia is a country in southeastern Europe with a rich history shaped by Roman, Venetian, and Austro-Hungarian influences. It is renowned for its stunning Adriatic coastline, dotted with over a thousand islands, and its well-preserved medieval cities like Dubrovnik. The country’s cultural heritage is also reflected in its numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Diocletian’s Palace in Split and the historic complex of Trogir.