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Introduction
Phoenix Reisen river cruise ship Anna Katharina sustained bow damage after striking the Freudenau lock in Vienna, Austria, during overnight transit on the Danube.
What Happened
The incident occurred at about 4:30 a.m. on July 24, 2026, when Anna Katharina struck the lock wall and gate at the Freudenau hydropower plant. The vessel’s bow sustained structural damage, but the hull remained intact and no flooding was reported. Fourteen passengers and crew members were injured; six were taken to hospital with back, neck and chest injuries, while others suffered minor bruising.
Response and Investigation
Firefighters, police officers and emergency medical teams responded by land and water. Rescue personnel boarded the vessel, evacuated several people using a turntable ladder and fireboat, and confirmed that all passengers were accounted for. Phoenix Reisen arranged for the remaining passengers to transfer to another river cruise ship to continue their voyage. Police and judicial authorities opened investigations, including whether a technical malfunction contributed to the allision. No deaths were reported.
- Anna Katharina struck the Freudenau lock during early-morning transit on the Danube.
- Fourteen passengers and crew members were reported injured, with six transported to hospital.
- The vessel remained afloat and no flooding was reported.
- Investigations are examining the cause of the allision.