The Ukrainian captain, whose name has not been disclosed in reports, appeared before the Hungarian court as part of legal proceedings related to the fatal incident that occurred in Budapest on May 29, 2019. During the trial, he conveyed his heartfelt sorrow for the accident, stating that he was “deeply sorry” for the loss of lives.
The collision occurred when the Ukrainian captain’s Swiss cruise liner struck the smaller tourist boat, known as the Mermaid while navigating the Danube River under challenging weather conditions, including heavy rain. The impact led to the rapid sinking of the Mermaid, which had 35 people on board, including South Korean tourists and crew members.
The tragic accident drew international attention and condolences, with South Korea deeply affected by the loss of its citizens. It also prompted an extensive search and rescue operation to recover the victims and salvage the submerged tourist boat.
The Hungarian court has been deliberating on the case, examining various aspects, including the circumstances surrounding the collision, safety protocols, and the responsibilities of the Ukrainian captain and other involved parties. The trial has been closely followed by both the affected families and the public.
The court is set to deliver its sentence later on Tuesday, marking a significant moment in the legal proceedings related to this devastating incident. The judgment will have implications for the captain and could also impact discussions surrounding safety measures and regulations for river transportation in the future.
As the court prepares to announce its decision, the memory of the 2019 Danube collision and the lives lost in the tragedy remain deeply etched in the hearts of those affected, serving as a solemn reminder of the importance of safety in maritime operations.