Tragic Collision of River Cruise Ships near Esna Lock Claims Passenger’s Life
A tragic incident unfolded on the evening of December 21st when two river cruise ships collided near the Esna Lock on the Nile River in Egypt. The vessels involved were the Opera, traveling upriver from Aswan to Luxor, and the Royal Beau Rivage, a floating hotel cruise ship making its way in the opposite direction. The collision was reportedly caused by an unexpected maneuver from Royal Beau Rivage, which violated established river navigation rules that grant right of way to vessels moving with the current.
The crash resulted in significant structural damage to both ships, with the bow of the Opera severely impacted and multiple cabins on the Royal Beau Rivage destroyed. Tragically, a 47-year-old Italian tourist suffered critical injuries and later succumbed in the ICU of a local hospital in Esna. Authorities have identified the victim and confirmed her death.
In response to this incident, Egypt’s General Authority for River Transport revoked the captain of Royal Beau Rivage’s license and referred the case to the appropriate legal authorities for further investigation. Fortunately, no other serious injuries among passengers or crew members were reported. Efforts to stabilize the situation were promptly carried out, ensuring navigational continuity in this busy stretch of the Nile, which sees a heavy influx of tourist traffic during the winter season.
The Esna Lock serves as a crucial passage point on the Nile, and adherence to navigation protocols is essential to avoid accidents, as previous minor collisions in the area have occurred without severe consequences.
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