Rescue workers are searching the Danube River in downtown Budapest for 21 people missing after a sightseeing boat with 33 South Koreans sank after colliding with a larger cruise ship during an evening downpour. Seven people were confirmed dead, officials said Thursday, and none of the tourists were wearing life jackets. Seven other people have been rescued. They were hospitalized in stable condition following the accident Wednesday night. Two Hungarian crew members are also missing.
South Korean President Moon Jae-in instructed officials to employ “all available resources” to support the rescue efforts in Hungary. A team of South Korean officials left for Hungary on Thursday to assist with the rescue operations and support passengers and their families. The 33 South Koreans included 30 tourists on a package tour of Europe, two guides and one photographer. The tourists left South Korea on May 25 and were supposed to return June 1.
The travel agency said that the sightseeing boat was on its way back after an hourlong night tour when it collided with a larger cruise ship that caused the sinking.
