Collision Europe Danube River near Budapest, Hungary · 18 May 2024
Deadly Collision on the Danube: Motorboat and MS Heidelberg Cruise Ship Involved
What happened
On 18 May 2024, a small motorboat collided with the cruise ship MS Heidelberg on the Danube River near Budapest, Hungary. The collision resulted in two confirmed fatalities, with five individuals reported missing. A large-scale search and rescue operation involving 95 personnel, 25 vessels, and drones was immediately deployed across the Hungarian section of the Danube.
The MS Heidelberg sustained noticeable hull damage and was detained in Komarom pending investigation. Hungarian authorities have initiated a criminal investigation to determine the cause of the collision and assess potential liability.
Details of the rescue
The collision was first detected when a man with a head injury was discovered near Veroce. Two bodies were subsequently recovered downstream—one south of Veroce and another near a bridge on the northern outskirts of Budapest. Search efforts for the five missing individuals continued under challenging conditions across the river system.
Vessel and voyage
Vessel
- Name: MS Heidelberg
- Type: Cruise ship
- Incident location: Danube River near Budapest, Hungary
Other vessel involved
- Small motorboat (details not specified in source)
Casualties
Fatalities
- 2 confirmed deaths.
Injuries
- 1 individual with head injury discovered near Veroce.
Missing
- 5 individuals reported missing at time of report.
Emergency response
Hungarian disaster response teams mobilised immediately, deploying 95 personnel and 25 vessels supplemented by drone surveillance along the Hungarian section of the Danube. Multiple emergency services coordinated recovery operations and medical treatment efforts across the affected river area.
Investigation
A criminal investigation has been initiated to determine the cause of the collision and assess potential criminal liability. Authorities are examining traffic conditions on the river, the actions taken by the MS Heidelberg crew at the time of impact, and what preventive measures could be enforced to avoid future incidents on this well-travelled waterway.
Current status
The MS Heidelberg remains detained in Komarom as investigations continue. The vessel sustained noticeable hull damage from the collision. Search operations for the five missing individuals were ongoing at the time of reporting.