Italian Tourist Dies After Violent Collision Between Two Cruise Ships On River Nile

An Italian tourist was killed on Sunday evening after two floating hotel cruise ships collided near the Esna Lock, south of Luxor, Egyptian authorities reported.

The incident occurred as the cruise ship Opera was travelling from Aswan to Luxor.

Approximately two kilometres after passing through the Esna Lock, the vessel was hit by a sudden manoeuvre from the ship Beau Rivage, which was sailing in the opposite direction from Luxor to Aswan.

Authorities said that the manoeuvre breached navigation rules, which give priority to vessels travelling with the current.

The collision caused substantial damage to both vessels. The bow of the Opera was dented, while three cabins aboard the Beau Rivage were completely destroyed.

Emergency and technical teams were dispatched to secure the scene and ensure river traffic continued safely.

The victim was identified as 47-year-old Denise Ruggeri, an Italian tourist who was travelling on the Beau Rivage with her husband.

She reportedly fell in her cabin during the violent impact and sustained severe lung injuries. She was taken to Taiba Specialized Hospital in Esna, where she died shortly after admission.

Following the crash, the River Transport Authority withdrew and suspended the licence of the Beau Rivage’s captain, holding him responsible for violating river navigation safety regulations.

The case has been referred to prosecution authorities to determine both criminal and civil liability.

Authorities emphasised the need for all river vessels to strictly adhere to approved communication and manoeuvring procedures, particularly in narrow areas and near locks, to protect lives and tourist facilities along the Nile.

While collisions between boats in Egypt are uncommon compared with overall traffic on the Nile and Red Sea, accidents have occurred due to navigation errors or overcrowding.

Previous incidents include a 2015 collision near Cairo that killed 29 people and a 2021 crash near Alexandria that left at least eight dead and several missing.

References: Egyptindependent, Newarab

Source: Maritime Shipping News