Egypt Probes Nile Cruise Ship Collision Near Esna Lock After Death

Egyptian authorities are investigating a collision between two Nile River cruise ships near the Esna Lock that killed an Italian турист, after she was fatally injured in a cabin struck during the impact.

The crash, involving the MS Royal Beau Rivage and the MS Opera, happened at about 8:00 p.m. local time on Sunday, Dec. 21, roughly 30 kilometers south of Luxor, as vessels navigated one of the river’s busiest transit points between Luxor and Aswan.

What happened near the Esna Lock

Officials said the Opera had been traveling north from Aswan to Luxor after clearing the Esna Lock, while the Royal Beau Rivage was heading south from Luxor toward Aswan. Authorities focused early attention on the area around the lock, where tight maneuvering space and heavy traffic can raise risks as ships approach transit and docking areas.

Egypt’s General Authority for River Transport said the collision was triggered by a sudden, sharp maneuver by the Royal Beau Rivage that violated navigation requirements. The authority noted that Nile navigation rules give priority to vessels traveling with the current, and said the Royal Beau Rivage failed to comply with right-of-way rules in this case.

Victim identified as Italian teacher traveling with her husband

The fatality was identified as Denise Ruggeri, 47, an Italian турист who was in one of the forward cabins damaged during the collision. She suffered multiple injuries, was taken to a hospital in critical condition, and later died in intensive care.

Ruggeri was from Cagnano Amiterno in Italy’s Abruzzo region and worked as a teacher in nearby Pizzoli. She was traveling with her husband as part of a group of about 80 Italian tourists aboard the Royal Beau Rivage.

Italy’s ambassador to Cairo, Agostino Palese, said: “At present there is no news of other Italians being involved; they are all believed to be safe.” Egyptian and Italian officials did not confirm any additional serious injuries among the Italian passengers.

Damage to the ships and vessel specifications

Authorities said the Opera sustained damage to its bow, while the Royal Beau Rivage suffered the most severe structural damage at the front of the ship. Officials and reports described four forward cabins on the Royal Beau Rivage as being damaged, with three of those cabins heavily damaged.

The Royal Beau Rivage, launched in September 2022, is about 72 meters long and has 71 cabins with capacity for more than 140 passengers. The Opera, built in 2009, has a passenger capacity of 199. Despite the damage, the Opera was able to resume operations the next day, and river traffic in the area resumed on Monday following initial response and safety checks.

Enforcement steps and the investigation

Egypt’s General Authority for River Transport suspended the Royal Beau Rivage captain’s license and placed the captain under investigation for suspected violations of maritime regulations. The matter was referred to the general prosecutor as the inquiry continues.

After the crash, authorities conducted checks on the river amid initial concerns that someone may have fallen into the Nile, but officials did not report additional серьезные injuries among the Italian group.

• Vessel movements near the Esna Lock and the approach to transit and docking areas.
• Compliance with navigation priority and right-of-way rules for vessels traveling with the current.
• Decision-making on the bridge in the minutes leading up to the collision.

Other recent incidents on the Nile

The fatal collision comes after other recent транспортные incidents on the Nile. In October, a fire broke out aboard a Nile cruise vessel carrying about 220 passengers, and authorities said everyone on board was evacuated safely. In April 2024, a minibus fell from a ferry in Giza province near Cairo, killing six people and injuring nine.

Officials have stressed the importance of strict adherence to navigation rules, particularly during the busy winter tourist season as tourism in Egypt continues to recover after the pandemic. Investigators are expected to keep scrutinizing how the two ships approached the Esna Lock area and whether right-of-way rules were followed before the collision.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where did the collision happen exactly?

The collision occurred near the Esna Lock on the Nile River, about 30 kilometers south of Luxor in southern Egypt, in the vicinity of a navigation and docking area used by vessels transiting between Luxor and Aswan.

What were the circumstances leading to the collision?

Egypt’s General Authority for River Transport said the Royal Beau Rivage made a sudden, sharp maneuver that violated navigation requirements and led to the crash with the Opera. The authority emphasized that Nile navigation rules give priority to vessels traveling with the current.

What actions have authorities taken against the captain?

Egypt’s General Authority for River Transport suspended the Royal Beau Rivage captain’s license and referred the case to the general prosecutor as part of an investigation into alleged maritime rule violations.

What are the specifications of the Royal Beau Rivage?

The Royal Beau Rivage was launched in September 2022. It is about 72 meters long, has 71 cabins, and has a capacity of more than 140 passengers.

How common are accidents on the Nile River?

Authorities have investigated several incidents in recent years, including an October fire aboard a Nile cruise vessel carrying about 220 passengers (with all passengers evacuated safely) and an April 2024 incident in which a minibus fell from a ferry in Giza province, killing six and injuring nine.