Sport skippers, charter crews, fishermen and divers should plan their passages in the central Croatian Adriatic with particular care over the coming days: multi-day military exercises are taking place in the area around the Croatian island of Žirje under the title “Borbena moć 26” (“Combat Power 26”).
According to the published navigational warnings, exercises are initially scheduled for 20 and 21 June 2026, each day between 08:00 and 14:00. A second, more extensive exercise phase follows from 23 to 25 June 2026 inclusive.
During this period, particularly strict restrictions apply in the designated main exercise area to the west and south-west of Žirje: all navigation, fishing and underwater activities are prohibited in this area. The affected sea area is defined by the published coordinates and extends across a larger area off the islands of the Šibenik Archipelago.
SeaHelp recommends: During exercise periods, crews should adjust their passage planning in good time and give restricted areas a wide berth
In addition, further military activities will be carried out during the nights of 23 to 24 June and 24 to 25 June within a smaller exercise area. No complete closure has been declared for this area, but authorities are urging particular caution for all vessels.
The area around Žirje is normally a popular cruising ground for leisure skippers: the island sits at the junction between the Šibenik region and the Kornati Islands, and is frequently passed on north–south routes along the Dalmatian coast. During exercise periods, crews should adjust their passage planning in good time and give the restricted areas a wide berth.
Further information and official navigational warnings are available at:
– Radio Navigational Warnings
– Interactive Map
Crews on site are advised to check the notices again immediately before departure, as military exercise areas may be adjusted or extended at short notice.
