Cruise News

140 Cruise Passengers Evacuated During European River Flood

Torrential rains have caused the Danube River to overflow and flood the surrounding areas. As the water rose to dangerous levels, a stranded river cruise vessel was evacuated for the safety of its over 140 passengers.

Aerial view of a town with multiple buildings partially submerged in floodwaters from the Danube River, surrounded by green hills and trees. Cruise passengers evacuated as the river overflows its banks. — (Photo courtesy of German Consulate General in Chicago)

Southern Germany has been subjected to several days of heavy downpours, flooding nearby regions like Baden-Wurttemberg and Bavaria. At least two people have died while a state of emergency has been declared in Regensburg, where the northern tip of the river lies.

More than 140 passengers who were on a river cruise in Deggendorf were stranded on Sunday, June 2. The vessel, which has yet to be identified, was unable to continue due to rising water levels. According to a local television network, they were evacuated in groups of 25 to 30 the next day using a repurposed work boat.

The vacationers were from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Most were elderly. There have been no reports of medical emergencies onboard.

Cruise Lines Affected

Aerial view of a flooded area with a barge navigating near a partially submerged bridge, surrounded by trees and buildings, as the Danube River overflows. — (Photo courtesy of German Consulate General in Chicago)

A local cruise company, Avalon Waterways, has already canceled two of its sailings. President of Avalon Waterways, Pam Hoffee, told Travel Market Report, “The Danube is experiencing higher-than-average water levels, due to an unprecedented amount of rain in the last month. This week, we made the decision to cancel two cruises on the lower Danube, due to ship access and availability.”

Another cruise line that operates along the Danube, Viking, informed guests that its voyages could be affected.

It issued the following statement on its website: “Currently, sections of the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers are experiencing high water levels. To varying degrees, these conditions may affect select itineraries. Our Switzerland-based nautical team is continually monitoring the situation and will make any necessary adjustments to accommodate the conditions.”

Viking Longship on the Danube River (Photo courtesy of Viking Cruises)

The same memo explained that the operator has sister ships with the same itineraries traveling in the opposite direction. If their original cruises cannot be accommodated due to the river bursting its banks, guests can be moved to the sister ship and be assigned an identical stateroom.

Last month, the collision of two watercraft in the Danube River led to the deaths of two people.