A 47-year-old woman was in her cabin at the time of the deadly collision.

13:33, Mon, Dec 22, 2025 Updated: 14:04, Mon, Dec 22, 2025

River Nile cruise ship crash

Four cabins on the MS Royal Beau Rivage were destroyed in the collision on the Nile (Image: INSTAGRAM)

A tourist has died after two cruise ships crashed with an 'extremely violent' impact on the River Nile. The River Beau Rivage is understood to have smashed into the Opera near Luxor at around 7pm on Sunday, destroying at least four Royal cabins.

Denise Ruggeri, a 47-year-old woman from Italy, was in her cabin during the deadly collision. Ruggeri, who was aboard the cruise ship with her husband at the time of the collision, fell in her room and sustained a serious lung injury. She was rushed to nearby Esna hospital, but tragically, died from her injuries shortly after admission.

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Denise Ruggeri

Denise Ruggeri died after two cruise ships crashed (Image: )

Local media described the impact of the crash as "extremely violent" whilst the Egyptian River Transport Authority said the horror accident was down to a "sharp maneuver" and a violation of navigation rules.

The captain of the Royal Beau Rivage has had their license suspended, and an investigation into the incident has been initiated by the prosecutor’s office.

Also on board the Royal Beau Rivage were 70 to 80 other Italian tourists but diplomatic sources confirmed that no further injuries were reported.

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

Marco Marsilio, President of the Abruzzo Region, expressed his deepest condolences in a heartfelt message to Ruggeri's family following the fatal 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."