Bulgarian river cruise ship incident on Danube River results in injuries

In a distressing turn of events, a Bulgarian-operated river cruise ship encountered an accident on the Danube River in Austria on Saturday, March 30, resulting in injuries to seventeen passengers. The ship, en route from Bavaria, Germany, to Linz, Austria, suffered steering control loss, leading to a collision with the concrete sides of a lock—a mechanism crucial for navigating stretches of water at different elevations.

Out of the seventeen injured, eleven were urgently transported to nearby hospitals for medical attention. The severity of their injuries remains undisclosed, pending further reports. Additionally, six passengers sustained minor injuries during the ordeal. The vessel was carrying approximately 160 passengers, predominantly from Germany, at the time of the accident.

The incident unfolded around 9:45 pm on Friday, March 29, as the ship navigated through the narrow locks. An unforeseen temporary power outage to the ship’s electronic systems rendered it unsteerable. Despite efforts to regain control, the vessel collided with the lock’s concrete structures before power and steerability were restored.

The collision occurred near Aschach, a location upstream from Linz in the Lower Bavaria region, along the Danube River—a vital waterway for Europe. Despite the accident, the ship sustained only minor damages and was capable of continuing to its next port. Authorities have initiated a thorough investigation to ascertain the cause of the electrical failure that led to this unfortunate incident.

This incident on the Danube River highlights the importance of rigorous safety protocols and reliable electronic systems on river cruise ships. Navigating the complex network of locks and stretches along rivers such as the Danube requires precision and the highest standards of operational integrity. The ongoing investigation will not only seek to prevent future occurrences but also serve as a reminder of the critical need for continuous improvement in maritime safety measures.

The incident underscores the need for enhanced safety measures and operational checks for cruise ships navigating through Europe’s intricate river systems. As investigations continue, the focus will remain on understanding the failure mechanisms to implement stronger safety protocols, ensuring the well-being of passengers and crew alike.