Danube boat accident cruise ship captain goes on trial

You're referring to the tragic Danube River boat accident that occurred on May 29, 2019, in which a sightseeing boat collided with a larger cruise ship and sank, resulting in the deaths of 28 people.

The trial of the captain of the cruise ship, the Viking River Cruise's Ama Commodore, has indeed begun. The captain, who is a German national, is facing charges of negligent homicide and causing bodily harm.

According to reports, the captain of the Ama Commodore, 61-year-old Captain Ammar Ali, was at the helm of the ship when it collided with the sightseeing boat, the Mermaid, which was carrying 33 people, mostly South Korean tourists. The accident occurred near the Danube River's Margit Bridge in Budapest, Hungary.

Prosecutors have alleged that the captain was negligent in his duties and failed to take necessary precautions to avoid the collision. They claim that he was distracted by his phone and failed to properly monitor the ship's speed and position.

The defense, on the other hand, has argued that the captain was not responsible for the accident and that the sightseeing boat was at fault. They claim that the Mermaid's captain was speeding and failed to follow safety protocols.

The trial is expected to be a lengthy and complex one, with both sides presenting their evidence and witnesses. The outcome will likely have significant implications for the maritime industry and the families of the victims.

It's worth noting that the Hungarian authorities have also launched an investigation into the accident, and several other individuals, including the captain of the Mermaid and other crew members, have been charged in connection with the tragedy.