CROATIA: The first reported International Escapade

It all started in Trogir. On Saturday night, Mike and his crew docked at Marina Baotić, where they dined at Alka restaurant. Reports indicate a suspicious conversation with a waiter regarding a fish called John Dory—was this a coded exchange or simple curiosity? Either way, it set the tone for what was to come.

On Sunday, the group sailed to Bobovišće village on Brač Island. The docking was described as going quite smoothly until it was discovered that the rope was not inserted through the correct buoy loop. Was this amateurism or a ruse to throw off onlookers? For mere seconds after, the loop was procured and rope perfectly passed through... Intelligence also confirms their dinghy motor "failed" late at night on the way back from dinner, but we have reason to suspect this was a recon mission, and thus they preferred to move without a motor.

Monday night saw the crew anchored in Luka Tiha Bay, Hvar Island. The buoy catch was almost flawless, though Lena's failure to loop the rope nearly derailed the operation. Reports confirm that Maxi instinctively took control. We had been previously unaware if Maxi was trained, but this has prompted further investigation. That evening, their dinghy ran out of fuel mid-voyage, forcing a desperate swim back to the boat (dinghy problems again...?). Strangely, there were no paddles on board. Was this a calculated test of endurance or poor planning?

On Tuesday, they relocated to Marina Palmižana, Pakleni Otoci Island. This time, Alice was assigned as radio operator—a significant step in her involvement since previously we assumed Alice was a mere passanger. They were docked next to an enigmatic Ukrainian named Vitaliy, whose role in this operation remains unclear. Later, the crew visited Hvar city, where they ascended to a castle, claiming it was for “sightseeing.” What information did they gather at this elevated vantage point?

Midweek, en route to Lucice Bay, they stopped at Uvala Tarsce, where they made contact with a floating food boat, securing a coveted item: a watermelon. This transaction also remains under investigation.

Lucice Bay proved to be a strategic docking, with the crew tying the boat to a tree—a technique known only to seasoned sailors. Furthermore, a notable incident occurred when Alice was captured in local media coverage after a dramatic leap into the bay. Whether this was accidental or a signal remains unknown.

By Thursday, the crew reached Uvala Sesula on Šolta Island, where they experienced their first rafting up procedure, docking next to an operative known as “Bjorn.” This maneuver suggests increased confidence in their abilities. Further intrigue arose when Lena commented on Bjorn’s calm demeanor—was she evaluating him for future collaboration?

Their final Croatian stop was at the Blue Lagoon, Uvala Krknjaš. Though many boats crowded the area, they managed to anchor successfully. However, reports indicate general disappointment with the lagoon’s features—were they expecting something hidden beneath the surface or did another accomplice fail to arrive at the meet point?