In the early hours of May 11th, the riverboat MS Bijou du Rhône, operated by Nicko Cruises, collided with a barge on the Rhone River near Sablons (Isere department, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes region) in southeastern France.
The accident occurred during a scheduled voyage. The ship was carrying 127 German tourists.
The impact resulted in damage to the ship's hull above the waterline, while the cargo barge sustained significant structural harm. Fortunately, the positioning of the damage on the ship eliminated immediate concerns of flooding or sinking.
French authorities promptly initiated evacuation procedures for all passengers and crew members. Arrangements were made to transport them by bus to their intended destination later that day. As of the latest reports, no injuries have been reported among those on board.
MS Bijou du Rhone is a river cruise ship designed to offer passengers an immersive experience along the Rhône River, featuring amenities such as stylishly appointed cabins, a spacious panorama salon, and an inviting sun deck.
This incident underscores the importance of stringent navigational protocols and the need for continuous monitoring to ensure the safety of riverine travel.
Investigations into the cause of the collision are expected to be conducted by the relevant maritime authorities to prevent future occurrences.