My farewell shot of Jadrolinija's Istra en route to Vela Luka (isle of Korčula). A week earlier I enjoyed my trip to Korčula with this real veteran, and on the 26th June Jadrolinija put the Greek-built KORČULA into service as her successor. It was as a back-up for the new vessel that I was able to picture her on 29 June 2008 in the Splitski Vrata (Gate to Split), about 45 minutes after departure from Split.

Built 1966 at Aalborg Værft as METTE MOLS for Mols-Linien A/S, Denmark. Employed on a domestic service together with Maren, Mikkel and Morten Mols. 1975 renamed METTE MO (same owner). 1977 DANA GLORIA (DFDS A/S). 1981 BALKANIJA (Jadrolinija), employed on a new car ferry service Zadar (Yugosalvia) - Ancona (Italy). 1992 ISTRA (Jadrolinija), now flying the Croatian flag. 2004 transferred to domestic services Split - Middle Dalmatian islands. July 2008 withdrawn from Split - Vela Luka (isle of Korčula) service. Sold 2010 for scrapping. Arrived 12 May 2010 at Aliaga, Turkey. Sister ship MAREN MOLS arrived 6 days later in Alang, India for breaking up; her last job was in Saudi Arabia as IBRAHIM. MIKKEL MOLS was gutted by fire in Italy in 2000. MORTEN MOLS is since 2008 in service in Cape Verde as ISALITA.

Photo is digital and enhanced for colour and brightness