Two Nile River cruise ships collided near the Esna Lock in southern Egypt on December 21, resulting in the death of one passenger. The incident occurred at around 8:00 p.m. local time, approximately 1.2 miles from the Esna Lock near Aswan. The collision involved the cruise ship Royal Beau Rivage, sailing from Luxor to Aswan, and the riverboat Opera, which was heading in the opposite direction after clearing the lock.
According to Egypt’s General Authority for River Transport, the Royal Beau Rivage made a sudden and sharp manoeuvre, causing it to hit the Opera. The impact damaged the bow of the Opera and severely affected several forward cabins on board the Royal Beau Rivage.
A 47-year-old Italian tourist travelling aboard the Royal Beau Rivage sustained serious injuries and was taken to hospital, where she later died. Authorities confirmed that no other passengers or crew suffered serious injuries.
Egyptian river officials stated that navigation rules on the Nile give priority to vessels travelling with the current. Investigators concluded that these regulations were not followed. As a result, the captain of the Royal Beau Rivage had his licence suspended, and the case was referred to the general prosecutor for further investigation.
River traffic in the area was temporarily disrupted following the collision but resumed the next day after safety checks were completed.
