One male migrant has died, and several others remain missing after a boat capsized on the Una River along the border between Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Authorities said the incident happened in the early hours of Monday near the town of Hrvatska Kostajnica, about 90 kilometers southeast of Zagreb, after witnesses reported hearing cries for help coming from the river.
Emergency responders arriving at the scene discovered one man already dead, while two others were rescued from the water, including a Chinese national. Police said a Bosnian citizen has been arrested on suspicion of migrant smuggling as search teams continue to look for others believed to have been on board.
Local reports suggest that at least eight people were in the boat when it overturned, though officials have not confirmed the exact number or the nationalities of all those involved. Some media outlets indicated that several passengers may have been Chinese nationals, but this has not been officially verified.
The incident highlights the ongoing dangers faced by migrants traveling along the Western Balkan route, a path frequently used by people trying to reach Western Europe through countries such as Bosnia and Croatia. According to data from Frontex, more than 12,500 irregular crossing attempts were recorded on this route in 2025, although the real number of journeys may be higher.
Aid groups working along the route say migration flows appear relatively stable despite fluctuations in official figures. They believe smuggling networks have adapted by moving migrants more quickly and sometimes providing temporary accommodation to avoid detection by authorities.
Recent investigations have also pointed to a growing number of Chinese nationals using the Balkan route, partly due to limited opportunities elsewhere and visa-free travel options in parts of the region. Experts warn that migrants traveling this way can face serious risks, including exploitation, trafficking, and dangerous crossings such as river journeys.
Rescue operations on the Una River are ongoing, and authorities say the focus remains on locating any survivors and establishing the full circumstances of the accident. The tragedy underscores the persistent hazards faced by people attempting irregular migration across Europe’s borders.