Captain Investigated After Cruise Ship Hits Two Container Ships In Bremerhaven

German police are investigating the captain of TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff 3 after the cruise ship hit two container ships while leaving Bremerhaven on October 25.

The collision caused damage estimated at several million euros and led to the cancellation of a 20-night cruise to the Canary Islands. No one was injured.

The cruise ship was leaving the German port with help from tugboats when a strong gust of wind pushed it into the two container ships, police said. The vessel returned to the terminal, where checks showed that it needed repairs at a shipyard.

Police have opened proceedings over a possible administrative offence to determine whether the captain failed to meet his duty of care. The investigation is still ongoing.

Police said Mein Schiff 3 first hit a smaller container ship, causing minor damage. It then struck a larger vessel.

Bremen’s ports department said the second collision left a tear about 10 metres long in the larger ship’s hull. The damage was several metres above the waterline. None of the three ships took on water, police said.

The cruise ship also suffered damage to its outer hull, lifeboats and lifeboat cranes. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed. Police estimate the total cost at several million euros.

The collision happened as storm Manja crossed northern Germany. Strong winds affected the area, while the storm also caused a surge on the island of Norderney. Water levels there rose about 1.75 metres above normal high tide.

German media reported that the weather service had issued a storm warning for the area. Gusts of up to 55 km/h were forecast, with the warning in effect from 1 p.m. until 1 a.m. local time on October 25-26.

Mein Schiff 3 began leaving the terminal at about 5.30 p.m., while the warning was active. Tugboats were assisting the vessel when the gust pushed it towards the container ships.

Police have not said whether the departure should have been delayed. Investigators are examining whether the captain met his legal duty of care. German media reported that a breach could lead to a fine, but no findings have been announced.

TUI Cruises said 2,428 passengers and 922 crew members were aboard Mein Schiff 3 at the time of the collision. Nobody was injured.

The ship returned to the terminal with tugboat assistance. Passengers were initially allowed to stay on board while the damage was checked and arrangements were made.

The company later cancelled the 20-night round trip to the Canary Islands, which was scheduled to run from October 25 to November 14. Passengers left the ship on Monday, with buses and taxis taking them to their cars or the railway station.

Some passengers told German broadcaster buten un binnen that they were unhappy that the cancellation was officially announced only on Monday morning. The broadcaster said TUI Cruises had not answered its questions about how it informed passengers.

The cruise was due to visit ports in Portugal, the Canary Islands, Morocco and Spain before returning to Bremerhaven.

TUI Cruises said the damage would require repairs at a shipyard at short notice. The company has not named the shipyard or given a date for the ship’s return to service.

Germany’s maritime safety authority also barred Mein Schiff 3 and the two container ships from sailing until they are cleared to resume operations, according to media reports.

The collision did not initially disrupt other traffic in the port, according to German media reports.

TUI Cruises said passenger and crew safety was its priority and described cancelling the cruise as the responsible decision. The company is still assessing whether the damage will affect later sailings.

Cruise industry publications an Bord and Kreuzfahrt Terminal reported that passengers would receive a full refund and a 10% discount on a new booking made by December 31, 2026.

References: dw, Nacionale