Egyptian authorities have launched an investigation into the accidental death of Denise Ruggeri, a 47-year-old Italian tourist from Cagnano Amiterno in Abruzzo, following a collision between two Nile cruise ships south of Luxor on Sunday evening.

Ruggeri sustained a punctured lung after falling inside her cabin when the two Nile cruise ships collided and she later succumbed to her injuries despite medical intervention.

The accident occurred around 7 p.m. local time on December 21, when the Royal Beau Rivage, carrying approximately 70 Italian tourists, attempted to pass through a waterway lock and collided with another vessel less than 20 miles from Luxor. Local reports indicate that four cabins were destroyed and some passengers fell into the water.

Ruggeri was traveling with her husband; no other Italians were reported injured. Italian Ambassador to Cairo Agostino Palese confirmed: “No news of other Italians involved; all believed safe.”

Egyptian prosecutors have launched an investigation into the collision, with details on the second ship and the exact cause still pending. Italy’s Foreign Ministry is assisting Ruggeri’s family.

The tragedy underscores occasional risks along the Nile cruise route, a vital artery for Egypt’s tourism industry.