Tragedy struck on the Nile River when a cruise ship accident claimed the life of a teacher aboard the Royal Beau Rivage. The unfortunate event unfolded on Sunday as the vessel collided with another ship, the Opera, near Luxor, Egypt, as reported by People magazine.
The collision resulted in the death of 47-year-old Italian teacher Denise Ruggeri. Traveling with her husband, Ruggeri suffered fatal injuries when she fell inside her cabin, which led to punctured lungs. This incident not only took her life but also caused chaos as other passengers were thrown overboard, and several cabins sustained significant damage, according to L’Unione Sarda.
The crash occurred during sunset, a time when the captain of the Royal Beau Rivage allegedly attempted a sudden and sharp maneuver while navigating through a river lock. This maneuver contributed to the disastrous collision, as detailed by the Maritime Executive.
In the aftermath, the captain’s license has been suspended by Egypt’s General Authority for River Transport, as the investigation into this tragic accident continues. The incident has cast a shadow over what was supposed to be a memorable journey for many onboard, highlighting the risks inherent in river cruising.
The collision reportedly happened at sunset as the Royal Beau Rivage captain attempted a “sudden, sharp maneuver,” while the ships passed through a lock on the river.
The Maritime Executive reports the captain’s license has since been suspended, citing the Egypt’s General Authority for River Transport.
The captain “violated international river navigation rules, which grant right of way to vessels traveling with the current,” Nova.News reports.
Rueggerio, of Cagnano Amiterno, worked as an educator in Pizzoli.
“It is dreadful to think of a young life lost like that, at a time when she should have been happy,” said Iside Di Martino, the mayor of Cagnano Amiterno, said.
“Denise had gone there on holiday to admire the beauty of all those places. We face very difficult days ahead. I know her and her family. Everyone knows everyone in this village. Her father was once deputy mayor.
“Denise was known by so many of the children here – she taught in a private infants’ school in the nearby village of Pizzoli.”
An investigation continues. Check back for updates.
[Feature Photo: Denise Ruggeri/Facebook]
