The Viking Ullur ran aground on the Danube about 15 miles above Vidin on July 28 after striking a sandbank amid exceptionally low water levels. Bulgarian Border Police evacuated 186 passengers and 52 crew by patrol boat; a nearby relief vessel could not reach the site. There were no injuries, passengers spent a day in Bucharest, and investigations into the grounding are ongoing. The incident highlights broader disruptions to Danube river tourism caused by drought and extreme heat.
Viking Ullur Runs Aground on Danube; 186 Passengers Evacuated Amid Record Low Water
Bulgarian Border Police evacuate 186 passengers off the 'Viking Ullur' cruise ship.Credit: Bulgaria Ministry of the Interior
Nearly 200 people were evacuated after the river cruise ship Viking Ullur ran aground on the Danube River about 15 miles upstream from Vidin, Bulgaria, on July 28.
Bulgarian Border Police evacuate 186 passengers off the 'Viking Ullur' cruise ship.Credit: Bulgaria Ministry of the Interior
What Happened
At about 2:20 a.m. local time, the vessel struck a sandbank during a spell of exceptionally low water levels and became grounded. Bulgarian authorities reported that there were 186 passengers and 52 crew members on board. Officials also said the ship had an insufficient supply of drinking water at the time.
Bulgarian Border Police evacuate 186 passengers off the 'Viking Ullur' cruise ship.Credit: Bulgaria Ministry of the Interior
Evacuation and Response
The ship's agent sought help from the French-flagged MS Vivaldi to transfer passengers, but that vessel could not get close enough. Border Police officers from Vidin deployed a patrol boat to reach the grounded cruise ship and safely evacuate everyone on board. Passengers were taken ashore and spent a day in Bucharest while arrangements were made for their onward travel.
The 'Viking Ullur' river cruise shipCredit: Image Professionals GmbH / Alamy Stock Photo
Safety and Aftermath
Viking Cruises said the vessel "came into contact with a sandbank during a period of exceptionally low water levels," and confirmed that there were no injuries and that the ship remained safe throughout the incident. Cruise-tracking services indicate the ship remains in the Danube near the grounding site. Bulgarian authorities coordinated the response, and an investigation into the circumstances of the grounding and any operational consequences is ongoing.
Broader Context
Near-record low levels on the Danube this summer—driven by prolonged heat and drought—have disrupted river tourism across the region. Several operators have reported canceled departures or vessels held in port, and wildfire and heat waves have affected wide areas of Europe, exacerbating drought conditions.
Note: All passengers and crew were reportedly unharmed. Authorities continue to monitor river conditions and manage recovery operations for the vessel.
Help us improve.
