New memorial site for deadly Hungarian boat tragedy

Source: MTI/Kovács Attila

A memorial site is being established at the premises of the Counter Terrorism Centre (TEK) in remembrance of the Hableány boat tragedy, said János Hajdu, the director general of TEK. On Sunday, they held a commemoration at the Pest-side abutment of Margit Bridge, on the fourth anniversary of the boat’s recovery.

The leaders of TEK laid wreaths at the memorial erected near the scene of the tragedy. This was the third time since 2019 that they remembered those who died, writes Index.

Source: MTI/Lakatos Péter

New memorial site

“There was a strong determination to create such a memorial site there. This was important not only for the leaders who were present, but also for all those involved in the rescue operation,”

emphasised Hajdu.

During the commemoration, the director-general reported that the investigation of the boat had concluded, and the dismantling had begun. They received some parts, which they are going to place in the memorial corner established within the TEK premises as symbols of the boat.

He mentioned that during the procedure, a tree sprouted from the hull of the boat. This was taken and was recently planted within the TEK premises, and will continue to grow there. According to their plans, they will commemorate the tragedy at both locations in the future.

Source: MTI/Kovács Attila

Source: MTI/Kovács Attila

The boating tragedy

The Hableány boat tragedy refers to a tragic incident that occurred on the evening of 29 May, 2019, in Budapest. It was a sightseeing boat carrying 33 South Korean tourists and a crew of two Hungarian members.

While sailing along the Danube River, at Margit Bridge, the Hableány collided with a larger cruise ship called the Viking Sigyn. The collision caused the ship to capsize and sink within a matter of seconds.

Out of the 33 South Korean tourists on board, authorities could only rescue 7. Two Hungarian crew members also lost their lives. One South Korean passenger was also reported missing and presumed to have perished in the accident.

The recovery efforts involved using a floating crane to bring the wreckage of the Hableány to the surface. The Counter Terrorism Centre played a coordinating role in the operation, which lasted for about seven hours.

The Hableány boat tragedy is one of the deadliest boating accidents in Hungary’s recent history. It has had a significant impact on the country. Furthermore, it led to investigations into the circumstances surrounding the accident and highlighted the importance of improving safety measures and regulations in the boating industry.