Overview
- The collision happened as Mein Schiff 3 was departing Bremerhaven and a wind gust drove the nearly 300‑metre cruise ship into moored containerships, with video of the impact circulating online.
- Authorities report no injuries among about 2,428 passengers and 922 crew, but they say the crash caused major material damage to the freighters’ port sides and to the cruise ship’s lifeboats, davits and outer hull.
- The Wasserschutzpolizei has opened an investigation, the port’s ship‑safety office has imposed departure bans on the three involved vessels, and officials have signalled administrative proceedings against the Mein Schiff 3 captain.
- TUI Cruises sent technical teams to inspect the ship, cancelled the planned 20‑day Canary Islands cruise, began passenger disembarkation and refund measures, and announced the ship will enter a shipyard for short‑term repairs.
- Police and port statements note the damage is several metres above the waterline with no water ingress so far, and the incident happened during a significant North Sea storm that disrupted other shipping in the region.