The Egyptian Public Prosecution started its thorough investigation early Monday morning into a collision between two floating hotels in the Esna Lock area in Luxor, southern Egypt, which resulted in the death of an Italian tourist. The River Transport Authority announced in an official statement that the accident occurred at 8 PM local time yesterday, Sunday, as the floating hotel named "Opera" was traveling from Aswan to Luxor. The captain of the hotel was surprised, two kilometers after passing the lock, by a sharp and sudden maneuver by the captain of the vessel "Baurivage". The statement added that the captain of "Baurivage" was sailing from Luxor to Aswan and violated international navigation rules that give priority to the hotel moving with the direction of water flow, attempting to dock at the International Park pier.
The accident resulted in material and human losses, with the collision causing a dent in the front of the hotel "Opera" and the complete smashing of three cabins of the hotel "Baurivage". The Authority confirmed in its statement that one of the guests aboard the vessel "Baurivage" was killed due to the impact force. Immediately after the incident, concerned authorities and the Authority's technicians moved to the site to take necessary measures and secure river navigation in the area, to ensure that other tourist trips between the Nile tourism hubs of Luxor and Aswan were not disrupted.
The River Transport Authority announced the withdrawal and suspension of the license of the captain of the floating hotel "Baurivage" due to his responsibility for the accident and his strict violation of safe river navigation instructions.
The entire incident was referred to the competent prosecution to commence investigations, ascertain all circumstances, and determine the criminal and civil responsibilities arising from this collision, according to the statement. The River Transport Authority emphasized the need for all river units to adhere to the established rules of communication and maneuvering, especially in narrow areas and near locks, to ensure the safety of lives and tourist facilities.
