![Two Crew Killed as Viking River Cruise Ship Wheelhouse Hits Low Bridge in Germany [Incident Photos]](https://gcaptain.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/2016-09-11T123602Z_166140120_D1BEUARLTQAC_RTRMADP_3_GERMANY-ODDLY.jpg)
Cruise ship called ‘Viking Freya’ is seen after a collision with a bridge at Main-Donau-Kanal in Erlangen, Germany, September 11, 2016. REUTERS/Michaela Rehle
Two officers navigating the Viking River Cruises cruise ship Viking Freya were killed overnight when the vessel struck a bridge on Main-Donau-Kanal in Erlangen, Germany.
The incident reportedly occurred at about 1:30 a.m.
The Viking Freya has a retractable wheelhouse that can be lowered when the vessel passes below low bridges (see in the video below).
Photos of the aftermath show the wheelhouse was completely destroyed in the incident.
The vessel had just departed Erlangen bound for Budapest when the incident occurred, the website Cruise Law News reports. The ship was reportedly carrying 181 passengers and 47 crew members at the time, the website said.
No other injuries were reported.
The cruise ship is operated by Viking River Cruises. A representative for the company confirmed the incident to us with the following statement:
The Freya experienced an accident in Erlangen, Germany early Sunday morning. Freya’s wheelhouse collided with the bridge in Erlangen. Two crew members of the ship were in the wheelhouse and died as a result of injuries sustained during the collision.
No other crew members or guests were injured, and all guests have been transported to local hotels.
We are heartbroken, and company executives are on the scene to work closely with local authorities to understand the details of the accident.
The Freya had embarked on a sailing the previous day and will now be moved for repairs. Guests may continue on their journey with a modified itinerary, embarking on the Bestla in Passau. Or, they may return home as soon as possible.
Customer Relations representatives will be in touch with all guests upon their return home to discuss compensation for the disruption to their trip.
No future sailings are expected to be impacted.
Video: Lowering the Wheelhouse on Viking Freya
Join the gCaptain Club for curated content, insider opinions, and vibrant community discussions.
Join the 110,228 members that receive our newsletter.
Have a news tip? Let us know.
A Russian Navy frigate equipped with new generation hypersonic cruise missiles has conducted drills in the English Channel and is carrying out tasks in the Atlantic Ocean, Russian news agencies reported on Tuesday.
(Bloomberg) — Chinese lawmakers got a head start on the US election this week as they gathered to vote on the largest fiscal package since the pandemic. But now that...
By Dimitri Rhodes Nov 7 (Reuters) – Belgian oil tanker company CMB Tech says it will focus on the fast growing market in India as it reported third quarter results...
Access exclusive insights, engage in vibrant discussions, and gain perspectives from our CEO.
Sign Up
Maritime and offshore news trusted by our 110,228 members delivered daily straight to your inbox.
Essential news coupled with the finest maritime content sourced from across the globe.
Sign Up
Join The Club
