Double Trouble on the Water: European River Cruises Face Collision Crisis

Recently, two river cruise ships in Europe faced unfortunate accidents—one on the Rhine River near Duisburg and another in Poland’s Szczecin Lagoon.

Rhine River Incident: A Close Call

This past Saturday, a Dutch river cruise ship collided with a cargo vessel close to Voerde-spellen, Germany. The incident occurred around 3 AM when both vessels met mid-river. The cruise ship suffered meaningful damage to its port side, creating a hole roughly 200 square feet wide. fortunately, all 140 passengers and crew members onboard were unharmed, as was the crew of the cargo vessel.

The damage was above waterline level, allowing both ships to navigate safely afterward. The cruise ship docked at Wesel for passenger disembarkation and onward travel.

The Duisburg Water Police are investigating the collision’s circumstances and have detained the cargo vessel for inspection. The captain underwent testing for alcohol levels at their station in duisburg while Germany’s Waterways and Shipping Authority launched its own inquiry into what led to this mishap.

Szczecin Lagoon Collision: Injuries Reported

A few days later on Monday evening, an accident involving a river cruise boat and a fuel barge left nine individuals injured in Szczecin Lagoon. Investigations are currently underway regarding how this incident occurred.

The cruise ship named Junker Joerg, while navigating near Chelminek Island, struck the fuel barge known as Argonaut. This collision resulted in significant damage to the port bow of the junker Joerg but left Argonaut intact above waterline without any breaches.

Both vessels managed to reach safety at Szczecin under their own power. Initially reporting no injuries onboard Junker Joerg, it wasn’t until they docked that medical assistance was requested due to eight passengers suffering minor injuries; one elderly woman required hospitalization after sustaining head and hip injuries.

An examination has been initiated by Polish authorities who will forward findings to Poland’s State Commission for Marine Accident Investigations once completed.