A tragic incident occurred on the River Nile as two cruise ships collided, resulting in a tourist losing their life due to the violent impact. The River Beau Rivage collided with the Opera near Luxor, causing significant damage to four Royal cabins and leading to passengers being thrown overboard upon impact.
Denise Ruggeri, an Italian teacher, sustained a severe lung injury when she fell inside her cabin and tragically succumbed to her injuries at a nearby hospital in Esna after being admitted in critical condition.
The collision took place approximately 30km from Luxor in southern Egypt, with reports indicating that the crash was forceful as the two vessels were traveling in opposite directions at the time of the incident.
According to the Egyptian River Transport Authority, the collision resulted from a sharp maneuver and a breach of navigation regulations. Subsequently, the captain of the Royal Beau Rivage has had their license revoked, and an official investigation into the matter has been initiated.
It is suggested that the Royal Beau Rivage made an unexpected maneuver that violated right-of-way protocols, leading to the tragic collision. Italy’s ambassador to Cairo, Agostino Palese, confirmed that no other Italians were harmed in the incident and are all accounted for.