Flooding caused by Storm Boris, which has wreaked havoc and killed at least 21 people in Central Europe, has stranded over 100 passengers.
For passengers aboard MS Thurgau Prestige, what was meant to be on an idyllic voyage, has turned into an unexpected adventure. Heavy rains from Storm Boris have stranded the Swiss river cruise ship in Vienna, leaving 102 passengers and 40 crew members confined to the vessel, awaiting further instructions.Â
The deluge has left destruction from Romania to Poland, while some areas have seen tidelines easing, many rivers and tributaries are being sandbagged.
Debris from the gushing waterways have already collapsed bridges and caused damage throughout historic towns in central Europe.
The situation is critical across several regions of Central Europe, with Austria, the Czech Republic and Poland the worst affected by river flooding. Water continues to rise on the Hungarian stretch of the Danube.
The Thurgau Prestige embarked on its scheduled eight-day journey between Linz, Austria, and Budapest, Hungary, on Friday, 13 September 2024. As one of the highlights of many travellers’ European itineraries, the Danube cruise promised scenic stops, historic cities, and a taste of both Austrian and Hungarian culture.
However rising water levels caused by devastating rainfall in the region have kept the Thurgau Prestige moored in Vienna since the weekend.
The Danube’s water level is regulated by a system of locks along its way so flooding is usually very rare, but Storm Boris has brought several months’ worth of rain in just days with over 300mm of rainfall reported over Central and Eastern Europe.
By Monday morning, passengers were informed that they would be unable to disembark until further notice, with the gangway to the jetty submerged by the swollen Danube waters.
Despite the situation, the ship’s operator, Thurgau Travel, assured passengers and the media that everyone on board was safe and well-supplied. However, any further movement of the vessel would be dictated by Austrian authorities, who continue to monitor the water levels.
Safety at the forefront… but it’s still a cruise
Although the flooding situation is less than ideal, passengers are far from uncomfortable. The Thurgau Prestige is part of the Scylla fleet, known for its upscale accommodations and attentive service. The vessel itself, measuring 110 meters in length, offers ample space for its 140 guests.
With its elegant design, featuring six master suites, seven junior suites, and 57 double cabins—many of which boast French balconies with stunning river views—the ship provides a level of luxury that helps passengers weather the delay. The onboard staff, who are being praised for their professionalism, continue to ensure that all guests’ needs are met during this extended pause in Vienna.
For many seasoned cruisers, delays and unforeseen situations are part of the adventure. In this case, passengers aboard the Thurgau Prestige seem to be taking things in stride.
Waiting for Vienna’s verdict
Austrian authorities are monitoring the water levels, which have made sailing temporarily unsafe. According to Thurgau Travel, passengers may need to remain onboard at least until Tuesday, 17 September, before any decisions regarding disembarkation or continued sailing can be made. The high water levels in the Vienna area have led to a halt in all shipping traffic, not just for the Thurgau Prestige, but for a number of other river vessels.
As the storm’s aftermath continues to unfold, it’s a reminder that even the most meticulously planned trips can face unforeseen challenges. The river cruising industry, known for its precision and reliability, is not immune to nature’s whims.
However, as Thurgau Travel emphasised in their statement to The Independent, no one could have anticipated the severity of Storm Boris, and the safety of passengers and crew is the top priority as the situation develops.
