German River Cruise Ship Hits Lock Near Vienna, Injuring 14 People
by Dori Saltzman
Anna Katharina. Photo: Scylla
The Anna Katharina, a river ship carrying some 180 guests, hit a lock at the Freudenau power plant on the Danube River near Vienna last week. Fourteen people were injured during the crash and the ship’s bow sustained damage.
According to the maritime trade website Marine Insight, the impact took place at around 4:30 a.m. on Friday, July 24, 2026. Firefighters, police, and emergency medical teams responded. Of the 14 injured, six were taken to the hospital with back, neck, and chest pain. All were released shortly afterwards. Most of the injured are German nationals.
All passengers were evacuated to another river cruise ship.
The Anna Katharina is a 443-foot river cruise ship owned and operated by Scylla but chartered out to other river cruise lines. It was sailing for Phoenix Reisen, a German river cruise line, at the time of the accident.
Police have opened an investigation into the crash. Though the bow sustained damage, the ship is not taking on water. An inspection will determine if it is safe to operate.
