In a tragic incident on the River Nile, two cruise ships collided with devastating force, resulting in the death of a tourist. The collision occurred near Luxor around 7 p.m. on Sunday, casting a shadow over what should have been a serene journey.

The victim, 47-year-old Denise Ruggeri from Italy, was in her cabin aboard the Royal Beau Rivage when the ship violently crashed into another vessel, the Opera. The impact was severe enough to destroy at least four cabins on the Royal Beau Rivage, including Ruggeri’s.

Traveling with her husband, Ruggeri suffered a critical lung injury after falling in her room during the collision. Despite being swiftly transported to Esna hospital, she tragically succumbed to her injuries shortly after arriving.

Ruggeri, who had been travelling with her husband at the time, fell in her room and sustained a serious lung injury. 

She was rushed to Esna hospital following rescue efforts, but succumbed to her injuries shortly after admission.

There were also 70 to 80 other Italian tourists aboard the Royal Beau Rivage, but diplomatic sources confirmed that no further injuries were reported. Local media described the impact of the crash as ‘extremely violent’.

The Italian Ambassador to Cairo, Agostino Palese, reassured: ‘At the moment, there is no news of other Italians being involved; they are all safe.’  

The Egyptian River Transport Authority attributed the accident to a ‘sharp maneuver’ and a violation of navigation rules. 

Two cruise ships crashed with ‘extremely violent’ impact on the River Nile on Sunday evening, leaving one tourist dead

There were also 70 to 80 other Italian tourists aboard the Royal Beau Rivage, but diplomatic sources confirmed that no further injuries were reported

A 47-year-old Italian, named Denise Ruggeri, was left crushed in her cabin during the deadly collision, which took place near Luxor at around 7pm on Sunday

The Royal Beau Rivage captain’s license has been suspended, and the prosecutor’s office has opened an investigation into the incident.

Marco Marsilio, President of the Abruzzo Region, shared a heartfelt message to Ruggeri’s family following the deadly incident.

He said: ‘On behalf of myself and the entire Regional Council, I express my deepest condolences for the tragic passing of Denise Ruggeri, who died in Egypt following the collision between two boats on the Nile. 

‘In such a time of great grief, our thoughts go first and foremost to her family and loved ones, struck by a sudden and unjust loss, and to whom the entire Abruzzo community extends its deepest sympathy. 

‘The Abruzzo Region stands with the Ruggeri family and joins in the condolences of all those who remember Denise and mourn her passing in these hours’.

It comes just two months after a tourist cruise ship burst into flames on the Nile, forcing the evacuation of over 200 holidaymakers.   

Terrifying footage from October captured the Iberotel Crown Empress engulfed in an orange blaze with flames exploding from the windows as the vessel sailed between Luxor and Edfu, Egypt.

The fire was believed to have broken out in the ship’s galley but quickly spread throughout the entire hull, leaving the cabins destroyed and forcing the ship’s staff to activate the emergency alarm and move passengers to the upper deck.

The Royal Beau Rivage captain’s license has been suspended, and the prosecutor’s office has opened an investigation into the incident

Local media described the impact as ‘extremely violent’

Empress was quickly docked at an unofficial anchorage near Esna to allow for the evacuation of some 220 tourists of varying nationalities. No injuries or deaths were reported following the incident. 

And a Norwegian Cruise ship rescued 63 people who were left stranded in the Ionian Sea in October.

The luxury vessel, operated by Norwegian Cruise Lines, rescued dozens of people off the Greek coast on the night of October 22.

The cruise line’s Norwegian Epic vessel worked with Greek authorities to bring ’63 individuals to safety,’ according to the company.

Norwegian told USA TODAY: ‘The individuals were brought on board and tended to by the ship’s crew who provided a medical evaluation, food and other items for their comfort.

‘Following a mandatory directive from the Rescue Coordination Centre, the ship proceeded to Kalamata, Greece where the rescued individuals were turned over to the Greek authorities.’

The cruise line did not specify who the people rescued were.