Two River Cruise Collisions in Europe Highlight Maritime Safety Concerns

Two European river cruise boats were involved in separate collisions recently. One incident occurred on the Rhine near Duisberg, Germany, where a Dutch river cruise vessel collided with a Dutch inland cargo vessel. The collision resulted in a gaping hole in the cruise ship’s port bow, but fortunately, none of the 140 passengers and crewmembers on board were harmed. Both vessels were able to transit safely, with the cruise boat berthing in Wesel to disembark its passengers for onward travel. The Duisberg Water Police suspect the cargo vessel may have caused the collision and detained it for inspection, while investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause.

In another incident on the Szczecin Lagoon in Poland, a river cruise vessel collided with a fuel barge, resulting in nine injuries. The collision occurred near Chelminek Island, causing a large hole in the cruise boat’s port bow. Both vessels were able to make it to a safe pier in Szczecin under their own power. Initially, no injuries were reported, but upon reaching port, eight people had superficial injuries, with one 84-year-old woman sustaining head and hip injuries requiring hospitalization. An inquiry has been opened to determine the cause of the collision, with evidence to be passed to Poland’s State Commission for the Investigation of Marine Accidents.

Overall, the incidents highlight the importance of safety measures and investigations in the maritime industry. Both collisions resulted in damage to the vessels involved, but prompt actions were taken to ensure the safety of passengers and crew. Authorities are actively investigating the causes of the collisions to prevent similar incidents in the future and improve safety standards in river cruise operations. The incidents serve as reminders of the risks and challenges faced in maritime transportation, emphasizing the need for vigilance and adherence to safety protocols.

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