Italian tourist dies in Nile river cruise ship collision near Luxor
A 47-year-old Italian woman, Denise Ruggeri, died after two cruise ships collided on the Nile near Luxor, Egypt, with 70-80 Italian passengers aboard.
December 21, 2025 - 08:48 PM ET • 1 min read
An Italian tourist died Sunday following a collision between two cruise ships on the Nile River near Luxor in southern Egypt, the Italian Foreign Ministry announced.
Denise Ruggeri, 47, from Cagnano Amiterno in the province of L'Aquila, was aboard the Royal Beau Rivage when the vessel struck another ship around 7 p.m. local time approximately 30 kilometers from Luxor. She was traveling with her husband.
The collision destroyed at least four cabins on the Royal Beau Rivage. According to initial reports, Ruggeri was inside her cabin at the moment of impact and sustained injuries in the collision. She died despite rescue efforts.
Approximately 70 to 80 Italian tourists were aboard the Royal Beau Rivage at the time of the incident. The Foreign Ministry said consulate officials were in contact with Ruggeri's husband and with tour operators assisting the other Italian citizens on the vessel. An honorary consul was activated in Luxor.
Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani was informed of the incident and was following developments, according to a ministry statement posted on social media.
Ruggeri was a teacher at a school in Pizzoli, also in the L'Aquila province. The causes of the collision remain under investigation.