A British couple who escaped a fire at a Croatian hotel have been offered £87 in compensation by their tour operator, sparking concerns over the adequacy of the response and support provided. Josh Robbins, 26, a mortgage adviser from Dorset, and his partner Shelby A’Court were staying at the Gava Waterman Milna Resort on the island of Brac when the blaze broke out. The couple had booked an all-inclusive package through Tui, with the resort costing around £1,800 per week.

According to Robbins, the hotel guests were left to manage the evacuation themselves as flames spread rapidly through the complex. He described the experience as terrifying, saying they feared for their lives. The couple and numerous other guests reportedly fled to a nearby dock, from where local residents evacuated them by boat.

Robbins criticized the compensation offer issued by Tui, which amounted to only £87, with a slightly higher sum if accepted in voucher form. He expressed frustration that the company categorized the fire as an “act of God” and encouraged them to claim through insurance instead. He also indicated plans to seek legal advice regarding the compensation offer.

In contrast, the hotel management denied allegations that guests were abandoned during the emergency, stating that reception staff assisted in the evacuation process. Tui was approached for comment but had not publicly responded at the time of reporting.

The incident raises questions about procedures and responsibilities of tour operators and hotel staff in responding to emergencies, especially in cases involving natural or unforeseen events. The dispute between the couple and Tui highlights the challenges travelers can face when seeking compensation after traumatic incidents abroad.