Viking Ullur Evacuated After Running Aground on Danube River

Passengers and crew aboard the Viking Ullur were evacuated after the river cruise ship ran aground on the Danube River on Tuesday, according to the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA).

The vessel was carrying more than 185 passengers and 50 crew members when it became stuck at river kilometer 817.

BTA reported that the grounding was caused by exceptionally low water levels, which have disrupted both cruise and commercial shipping traffic along the river in recent weeks. The evacuation took place near Vidin in northwestern Bulgaria and was coordinated by the local Border Police.

According to the report, Viking arranged for another river cruise ship to meet the stranded vessel so guests could continue their journey. However, the replacement ship was unable to get close enough to the Viking Ullur, requiring Border Police to step in.

After attempts to refloat the vessel proved unsuccessful and additional inspections were carried out, passengers were transported ashore by patrol boats operated by the Vidin Border Police Vessels Base.

BTA said guests were evacuated because onboard supplies were running low. The Viking Ullur had been scheduled to call at Vidin to replenish food and fresh water.

The news agency also reported that passenger luggage was transferred on Tuesday, although it remains unclear whether the crew will stay aboard the stranded vessel.

Border Police indicated that the Viking Ullur could remain aground for an extended period, depending on river conditions and when refloating efforts can safely resume.

Built in 2019, the river ship operates itineraries that visit destinations in Bulgaria, Serbia, Romania, Croatia, and Hungary.

As previously reported by Cruise Industry News, unusually low water levels on both the Danube and Rhine rivers have forced several cruise operators to modify their schedules and operations.

Alongside Viking, cruise lines including Avalon Waterways, AmaWaterways, and Riviera Travel River Cruises have also adjusted their itineraries in response to the record-low river levels.