Collision Between Nile Cruise Ships Leaves One Passenger Dead

A serious collision between two Nile River cruise vessels occurred on the evening of December 21, resulting in the death of one passenger. The incident took place around 8:00 p.m. local time, approximately 1.2 miles from the Esna Lock near Aswan, Egypt.

The ships involved were the Royal Beau Rivage, sailing from Luxor to Aswan, and the Opera, which had just cleared the Esna Lock and was heading toward Luxor. According to Egypt’s General Authority for River Transport, the Royal Beau Rivage made an abrupt, sharp maneuver that caused it to strike the Opera.

The impact damaged the bow of the Opera, while four forward cabins on the Royal Beau Rivage were significantly affected. Egyptian authorities confirmed that a 47 year old Italian passenger aboard the Royal Beau Rivage died as a result of severe injuries sustained in the accident. No other major injuries among guests or crew were reported.

Following the incident, river authorities reiterated that Nile navigation rules grant right of way to vessels traveling with the current. Officials stated that the Royal Beau Rivage did not follow these regulations. The ship’s captain has since had his license suspended, and the case has been referred to the public prosecutor to investigate potential violations of maritime law.

River traffic along the Nile was briefly halted but resumed the next day after safety inspections were completed at the site.