Near-Record Low Water Levels Leave Cruise Vessels Stranded

By Gergely Szakacs

BUDAPEST, July 16 (Reuters) – Near-record low water levels on the Danube River have disrupted tourism this week, leaving cruise vessels stranded north of Budapest, suspending sightseeing trips and dealing a blow to the economically important sector. 

Data from Hungary’s Water Authority showed the Danube’s water level in Budapest fell on Thursday morning to within eight centimeters (3.15 inches) of the record low set eight years ago, although levels are expected to rise next week.

Hungarian sightseeing operator MAHART-PassNave said the decline was part of a longer-term trend and that, despite efforts by shipping companies and ports to adapt, water levels