STA, 7 July 2022 - A 74-year-old Austrian was killed in an accident in Izola on Thursday as he was crushed against rocks by his sailboat while trying to rope the vessel back to the pier in windy weather.
According to a release from the Koper Police Department, a sailboat sailing under the Austrian flag broke away from the fishing pier in Izola at around 6:40pm due to strong and gusty winds.
Taking note of the situation, the 74-year-old owner jumped aboard from the pier but then fell into the seas due to high waves. The vessel crushed him against the rocks and he died on the spot of his injuries.
The vessel got badly damaged when hitting against the rocks and sunk.
A rescue and intervention operation is under way. After inspecting the site, the police will notify the state prosecution on their findings.
