Tourist dead after cruise ships crash with ‘extremely violent’ impact | World | News
A tourist has died after two cruise ships crashed into the Nile River with an ‘extremely violent’ impact. The Beau Rivage River is understood to have crashed into the Opera near Luxor at around 7pm on Sunday, destroying at least four Royal lodges.
Denise Ruggeri, a 47-year-old Italian woman, was in her cabin at the time of the fatal collision. Ruggeri, who was on the cruise ship with his wife at the time of the collision, fell in his room and suffered serious lung injuries. He was immediately taken to the nearby Esna hospital, but tragically, he died from his injuries shortly after being admitted.
Local media described the impact of the accident as “extremely severe”, while the Egyptian River Transport Authority said the terrible accident was caused by a “sharp maneuver” and violation of navigation rules.
While the license of the captain of the Royal Beau Rivage ship was suspended, the prosecutor’s office launched an investigation into the incident.
There were also another 70 to 80 Italian tourists on board the Royal Beau Rivage, but diplomatic sources confirmed that no further injuries were reported.
Italian Ambassador to Cairo Agostino Palese said: “There is currently no news of any other Italians being involved; all are safe.”
Marco Marsilio, President of the Abruzzo Region, expressed his deepest condolences in a heartfelt message to Ruggeri’s family after the fatal incident.
He said: “On behalf of myself and the entire Regional Council, I offer my deepest condolences on the tragic death of Denise Ruggeri, who died when two boats collided on the River Nile in Egypt.
“At this time of such great pain, our thoughts are primarily with his family and loved ones, to those who have been shaken by the sudden and unjust loss, and to whom the entire Abruzzo community extends its deepest condolences.
“The Region of Abruzzo stands with the Ruggeri family and extends its condolences to all who remember and mourn Denise at this time.”
