UPDATED: Maltese couples named in Croatia car crash that claimed four lives

UPDATED:

The four Maltese nationals who tragically lost their lives when their car plunged into the sea while on holiday in Croatia have been named as Jeremy Gambin, 68, and his wife Lorraine Gambin, 67, of Swieqi, and Kevin Bonnici, 67, and his wife Alexandra Bonnici, 66.

The two couples were travelling together along the scenic Adriatic coast on Thursday afternoon when the rented car they were in veered off the D8 state road near Bunica, just south of Senj, and ended up in the sea. Reports from Croatia suggest that the driver may have suffered a medical episode while navigating a slight bend in the coastal road.

Jeremy Gambin was a well-known basketball coach at Luxol and a former national player who represented Malta at the 1987 Games of Small States of Europe in Monaco. He also taught physical education at St Michael’s Foundation. He and his wife Lorraine were parents to three children and grandparents to several grandchildren.

Kevin Bonnici, who also had a background in basketball, worked in the cab industry and served as a company director for two fleet firms. A former Air Malta employee, he held roles in the airline’s finance, flight operations, and engineering departments. He and his wife Alexandra were parents to two children and grandparents as well.

One woman’s body surfaced hundreds of metres from the wreck, while the other three victims were recovered from the submerged car by members of the Croatian Mountain Rescue Service.

In an emotional Facebook tribute, Ilona Busby, daughter of Jeremy and Lorraine Gambin, wrote:

“Nobody is ever prepared for such a huge loss, especially when it’s twice the pain and heartache following such tragic circumstances. Our family was truly blessed and lucky to have our beautiful parents in our life and we couldn’t have asked for more… We feel comfort in knowing they passed together, doing what they loved best with two of their favourite friends and travel buddies.”

Swieqi Mayor Noel Muscat expressed his condolences, describing both couples as active members of the local community:

“Jeremy and Lorraine Gambin, and Kevin and Alexandra Bonnici, were exemplary parents who were very fond of their families and also active residents in the locality.”

Deputy Mayor Jordan Galea Pace added that a minute of silence was observed during the Ġieħ is-Swieqi ceremony on Friday evening in honour of the victims.

“Loraine was a loved and active member of our community… Mr. Gambin, my former coach at St Michael’s Foundation, was always a respected man. My sincere condolences go out to both families in this difficult time.”

The Malta Basketball Association also extended its condolences “to the families and friends of our former basketball players Jeremy Gambin and Kevin Bonnici, and their wives, who died tragically in a car accident in Croatia. May they rest in peace.”

Meanwhile, Luxol Basketball Club described the two men as “part of the Luxol family as teammates, colleagues, and parents,” while the 1st Sliema Scout Group shared a message of sympathy remembering the Gambins’ son Jeff, who was once a Scout in their group.

“With heavy hearts, the 1st Sliema Scout Group mourns the tragic loss… We extend our sincerest condolences to the families and loved ones of both couples. May you find strength and peace in this difficult time.”

 

 

Earlier:

Four Maltese tourists killed in tragic car accident near Senj, Croatia

A tragic road accident in Croatia has claimed the lives of four Maltese nationals after their vehicle plunged off a coastal road into the sea on Thursday afternoon.

The fatal crash occurred at around 4:20 p.m. on the D8 state road near Bunica, just south of Senj. According to the Lika-Senj Police Department, the car – a rental with Zagreb licence plates, reportedly hired from Franjo Tuđman Airport – was travelling from Rijeka towards Senj when the driver lost control on a mild left bend.

For reasons still under investigation, the vehicle veered to the right, struck two protective stone barriers, and careered off the roadway. It fell approximately 70 metres down a ravine before coming to rest in the sea.

Authorities confirmed that all four occupants – two men and two women – died at the scene. Their bodies were recovered from the submerged car by the Croatian Mountain Rescue Service (HGSS) and transported to the Institute of Forensic Medicine in Rijeka for autopsy and formal identification.

Describing the rescue operation, Dario Cindrić, head of the Gospić HGSS Station, said:

“Around 5 p.m., the OKC MUP informed us that a private vehicle had landed in the Senj area and that one person had floated out. We gathered a team of four rescuers and two divers and headed to Senj, where the Lika-Senj Police Department boat was waiting for us. During the dive, we determined that three more people were still in the vehicle, and then we began the extraction onto the police boat.”

Police, ambulance, and coroner teams attended the scene, with the recovery operation lasting into the evening.

While the police have concluded their on-site investigation, a criminal investigation is ongoing to determine the exact cause of the accident and confirm the victims’ identities. Unofficial reports indicate that the deceased were Maltese tourists, though official confirmation is expected from authorities following the completion of autopsies.

This section of the Adriatic highway is known for its sharp bends and challenging driving conditions, particularly for those unfamiliar with the route.