Viking River Cruise captain held by police after fatal Danube collision
Viking River Cruises is cooperating with Hungarian authorities after one of its ships was in a fatal collision with a smaller tour boat on the Danube in Budapest.
The captain of its ship, Viking Sigyn, has been arrested and is being held as a suspect over ‘reckless misconduct in waterborne traffic leading to mass casualties’. He is a 64-year-old Ukrainian national.
Seven people have been confirmed dead following the collision on Wednesday night. Seven have been rescued but hopes are fading for the 21 people still missing.
The tour boat, called Hableany, or Mermaid, was carrying 30 South Korean tourists, three South Korean tour guides and two Hungarian crew when the collision happened near the city’s Margit Bridge.
Hungarian police said the search was hampered by high water levels and fast currents on the river.
A statement from Viking said: "Sadly, there have been reports of fatalities and we offer our heartfelt condolences to those affected by this tragic accident. There were no injuries to Viking crew or Viking guests.
"The vessel has been cleared by the local authorities to sail on May 31. We have been and continue to cooperate fully with the authorities while they undertake their investigations."
Any witnesses who saw the incident or possess photographs or videos are asked to report to the police.
The stretch of water is busy with river cruise ships and tour boats but is generally safe.
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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