Five migrants drown crossing river on Croatia-Slovenia border

Five migrants died and five others were rescued on September 25 after attempting to cross the Kupa River, located approximately 90 kilometers southwest of Zagreb on the border between Croatia and Slovenia. Croatian police reported that the group consisted of nearly 20 individuals. While five people perished and five were saved by local residents and police officers, 14 members of the group successfully crossed the river and are currently on Slovenian territory. The authorities have not disclosed the nationalities of those involved.

Croatia remains a key transit point for migrants attempting to reach Western Europe via the Balkan route. According to Frontex data, over 12,500 people utilized this path in 2025, representing a 42% decrease compared to 2024. The International Organization for Migration notes that more than 400 people have lost their lives or gone missing along this migration route since 2014. Authorities continue to monitor the border region as part of broader efforts to manage irregular migration flows.