Danube River Cruise Ship Collides with Vienna Lock, Injuring 14

A river cruise ship struck a lock on the Danube in Vienna early Saturday, injuring 14 people, with six hospitalized. Investigators are exploring a possible technical defect.

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A river cruise ship collided with a lock on the Danube in Vienna early Saturday, leaving 14 people injured, six of whom required hospital treatment.

The vessel, the Anna Katharina, hit the lock at the Freudenau power plant around 4:30 a.m. on July 25, 2026, according to police. The 135-meter ship, built in 2019 and with a capacity of 180 passengers, was carrying approximately 200 passengers and crew members at the time.

Fourteen people sustained injuries. Six were taken to hospitals suffering from back, neck, and chest pain, while others had minor injuries such as bruises from being thrown against the interior of the ship. Most of the injured were German nationals.

The impact damaged the ship's bow, but no water entered the vessel and it remained afloat.

Emergency services responded by land and water. Firefighters, police, and medical teams arrived at the scene. A turntable ladder was used to evacuate five people, and a fireboat brought two others ashore. A German paramedic who was traveling on the ship provided first aid before specialist teams arrived.

The operator arranged for the remaining passengers to continue their journey aboard another river cruise ship.

Authorities have launched an investigation, and a judicial inquiry is also in progress.