An urgent international search operation is underway for an 11-year-old British boy who vanished during a family holiday on a picturesque Croatian island. Adrian Zvonimir, from Bristol, disappeared on Thursday morning while staying at the Resort Island of Veli Lošinj, sparking a massive rescue effort involving local police, mountain rescue teams, and divers.
The terrifying disappearance occurred around 8:30 AM when Adrian was last seen near the family's accommodation. Croatian authorities have confirmed an extensive search operation is in progress, with teams combing both land and sea in the desperate hunt for the missing schoolboy.
Family's Heartbreaking Appeal
Adrian's distraught family have made emotional appeals for information about their son's whereabouts. The young boy was described as wearing blue shorts and a blue/white striped T-shirt when he vanished.
Local police spokesperson stated: "We are using all available resources to find the child. The search involves police officers, firefighters, mountain rescue services, and divers who are thoroughly checking the coastal area."
International Cooperation Activated
The Foreign Office has confirmed they are providing support to the family during this traumatic time. A spokesperson said: "We are assisting the family of a British child reported missing in Croatia and are in contact with the local authorities."
The search operation has been concentrated around the popular tourist destination of Veli Lošinj, known for its beautiful beaches and clear waters. Rescue teams have been systematically checking the coastline, nearby forests, and surrounding waters since the alarm was raised.
Community Rallies in Search Effort
Local residents and tourists have joined the effort to find the missing British boy, with volunteers assisting authorities in checking nearby areas. The tight-knit island community has mobilised to support the search operation.
Tourism officials have emphasised that such incidents are extremely rare in the region, which is considered one of Croatia's safest holiday destinations. The Croatian Mountain Rescue Service has deployed additional teams to assist with the challenging terrain.
As night falls on the second day of searching, concerns grow for the safety of the young British boy. Anyone with information is urged to contact Croatian police immediately or reach out to the British Embassy in Zagreb.
