Hungary Detains Cruise Ship Captain Over Collision With Motor Boat On The Danube, Killing 2

Hungarian authorities have arrested the captain of a Swiss-based cruise ship that collided with a small motor boat on the Danube River, killing two people and leaving five others missing.

The tragic accident occurred on May 18, 2024, at night, near Veroce, approximately 50km north of Budapest.

The Hungarian Police were notified after a 35-year-old man was found with a bleeding head near the main road beside the river, prompting the Hungarian Police to investigate.

The bodies of a man and woman were later discovered downstream, with the man in the south of Veroce and the woman near a bridge in the northern part of Budapest.

The police also recovered the damaged motor boat from the river.

Authorities have detained the cruise ship’s captain, a Czech National, on suspicion of various offences, including failing to halt and provide aid following the accident.

According to a police statement, the captain didn’t notify the crew after the accident, follow the rescue protocol regulations, or take action to help the affected individuals.

The incident involved the Heidelberg, a 357-foot cruise ship accommodating 110 passengers.

The ship was identified and stopped near Komarom, more than 80 kilometres upstream from the collision site.

Its bow had significant scratches.

Police have questioned witnesses, including cruise ship staff members and guests.

The search for the five individuals who went missing, all of whom were in the motorboat, continues.

Three men and two women are missing, varying in age from 18 to 39.

The search operation involves around 90 individuals from various crisis management agencies, using boats, drones, and rescue divers.

A Reuters news team spotted the Heidelberg docked at Komarom on Sunday, with Chinese tourists boarding who were unaware of the accident.

The accident raises continuing safety issues on the Danube, a popular route for recreational boating and cruise ships between Budapest and Vienna.

Reference: Reuters

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Source: Maritime Shipping News