The collision between the Viktoria passenger cruise ship and the Bavaria 52 cargo ship on the Danube River in April happened because both vessels violated the shipping regulations, according to conclusions reached by the State Shipping Administration (SPS) after an investigation carried out by an expert committee, SPS spokesperson Jana Vadkertyová told the TASR newswire on July 12.
The report on the results of the investigation has been sent to the District Police Headquarters in Dunajská Streda.
Viktoria, sailing under the Maltese flag near Gabčíkovo dam, collided head-on into the side of the German cargo ship, which was transporting maize, at 2:00 on April 13.
There were more than 200 passengers onboard the cruise ship. No injuries were sustained, although an elderly woman suffered mild shock. The cargo ship was seriously damaged, with rescue teams forced to pump out more than 15,000 litres of fuel into backup vessels.
Source: TASR
Compiled by Zuzana Vilikovská from press reports
The Slovak Spectator cannot vouch for the accuracy of the information presented in its Flash News postings.
13. Jul 2011 at 10:00