In the early hours of 24 July, the river cruise ship MS Anna Katharina collided with the lock gates and wall at Freudenau Lock on the Danube River in Vienna, Austria. Around 200 passengers were on board at the time of the accident, with many still asleep in their cabins.
According to emergency services, the collision occurred at approximately 4:00 a.m. while the vessel was entering the lock. The impact caused several passengers to lose their balance, resulting in injuries. Fourteen passengers required medical attention, while six were transported to local hospitals. Authorities reported that none of the injuries were considered life-threatening.
The vessel’s bow sustained significant damage, but the hull remained intact. No water ingress, fuel leakage, or environmental pollution was reported, and no passengers or crew members went overboard.
Firefighters, rescue teams, police officers, and medical personnel responded quickly to the scene. Due to the height difference between the vessel and the quay, some injured passengers were evacuated using rescue equipment and emergency boats. After the operation was completed, the remaining passengers were transferred to another vessel to continue their cruise.
According to preliminary information, MS Anna Katharina was operating a seven-day Danube cruise that had departed from Passau, Germany. The exact cause of the collision has not yet been determined, and Austrian authorities have opened an investigation to establish the circumstances of the incident.
The accident highlights the importance of navigational safety on inland waterways. Despite the severe damage to the vessel’s bow, the prompt response of the crew and emergency services prevented more serious consequences.
