A-Rosa Sena Ship Collides with Amsterdam Road Bridge During Departure: What Happened?

On the evening of March 25, 2026, the river cruise vessel A-Rosa Sena collided with a road bridge on the outskirts of Amsterdam. This incident led to minor injuries for a crew member and the subsequent evacuation of over 200 passengers as the ship lost electrical power and propulsion.

The A-Rosa Sena had left Amsterdam earlier that day, en route to Utrecht and onward to Cologne when the accident occurred at approximately 9:30 p.m. local time. While navigating from the IJ towards the Amsterdam–Rhine Canal, the vessel struck the underside of the Amsterdamsebrug, a road bridge that provides a vertical clearance of about 9.5 meters. Reports indicate that the ship’s bridge, designed to be raised or lowered to fit under bridges, was left in the elevated position when entering the span, resulting in the structure being crushed upon impact.

Following the collision, the ship continued moving forward and, during this trajectory, damaged the radar mast at the stern and made contact with the canal wall before halting. Passengers described a strong jolt at the moment of impact.

Emergency services, including police and ambulance teams, quickly responded. The helmsman received medical attention for minor injuries; fortunately, no passengers were reported harmed. The ship initially remained navigable for a short distance, allowing it to move to a safe location alongside the canal for emergency boards and assessment.

Several hours after the incident, a complete loss of electrical power left the ship without lighting. Consequently, authorities decided to evacuate the passengers, many of whom were asleep at the time. They were instructed to gather their belongings and were safely escorted ashore across a small dyke, where buses were arranged to transport them to Cologne.

Due to the damages sustained in the accident, the A-Rosa Sena would not be able to continue its scheduled voyage and was expected to be towed back to Amsterdam. Following the collision, the canal was partially closed for vessel traffic as the bridge underwent inspection. After assessment, the bridge was deemed safe and reopened to road traffic.

The vessel, built in 2022 and measuring 135 meters, had commenced its journey from Amsterdam that day and was intended to reach Cologne by the weekend, continuing on to Hamburg.

Set sail on a voyage of discovery with CruiseShip.net – your ultimate destination for all things cruising! Explore the latest news, insightful reviews, and thrilling cruising adventures from around the globe. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or a first-time traveler, CruiseShip.net is your go-to source for expert advice, insider tips, and inspiring stories to fuel your wanderlust. Embark on a journey like no other with CruiseShip.net – where every wave brings new excitement and endless possibilities on the high seas.

Editorial Team

At CruiseShip.net, our editorial team is made up of passionate travelers, seasoned cruisers, and maritime industry enthusiasts who live and breathe life at sea. From the latest ship launches and destination spotlights to detailed reviews and onboard tips, we are dedicated to helping readers discover the joy of cruising.

Our mission is to make every article both inspiring and useful, whether you are planning your first voyage or your fiftieth. We research, fact-check, and collaborate with cruise insiders around the world to bring you accurate, up-to-date, and exciting coverage of the global cruise industry.

Join us as we chart new horizons, exploring one port, one ship, and one unforgettable experience at a time.