A Viking river ship collided with a cargo vessel while
sailing through Belgium, just more than a week after engine failures on the
Viking Sky forced a dramatic rescue operation in rough seas off the coast of
Norway.
The company said no guests were injured when the Viking Idun
and the cargo ship collided just after midnight on April 1 while sailing from
Antwerp to Ghent.
"The ship sustained some damage near the bow and is
currently docked in Terneuzen with all guests," the company said in a
statement. "While damage of the ship is being assessed, guests will
continue with a modified version of the itinerary. We hope to have the ship in
operation in time for its next departure on April 4."
While some 450 river cruise ships and cargo vessels ply the
European waterways, river cruise officials say collisions are rare.
Last October, Crystal River Cruises' Crystal Bach was hit by
a cargo vessel while it sailed overnight on the Rhine, damaging windows in the
Waterside Lounge and in some suites. No guests were injured.