Cruise ship damages containership in Bremerhaven amid strong winds
The cruise ship Mein Schiff 3 reportedly collided with two berthed containerships while departing Bremerhaven, Germany, on October 25, causing significant damage to one vessel and forcing the cancellation of its planned cruise to the Canary Islands.
According to Bremen Police, the incident occurred at approximately 5:30 p.m. local time on the Weser River, as the cruise ship was departing with tug assistance amid strong winds associated with Storm Manja.
During the departure manoeuvre, a powerful gust pushed Mein Schiff 3 towards containerships moored at the Stromkaje container terminal, resulting in a collision. Fortunately, no injuries or pollution were reported.
Significant damage to vessels and lifeboats
The collision caused extensive damage to Mein Schiff 3, including several lifeboats, their launching equipment and sections of the vessel’s external structure. The containership MSC Victorine reportedly sustained a hull tear measuring approximately 10 metres above the waterline, along with damage to cargo-related structures.
New footage shows the moment TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff 3 collided with the docked container ship MSC Victorine in Bremerhaven, Germany. Strong winds pushed the cruise ship sideways despite tugboats trying to assist https://t.co/lELAkgnRbK
— Surajit (@surajit_ghosh2) October 26, 2026
Police reported that the larger containership sustained substantial damage, while the smaller vessel suffered comparatively minor damage. Two tugboats assisting the manoeuvre were also reportedly damaged.
Despite the impact, no injuries or water ingress were reported on the affected vessels. At the time of the incident, Mein Schiff 3 was carrying 2,428 passengers and 922 crew members.
Cruise cancelled as vessels face inspections
Following the collision, Mein Schiff 3 returned to Columbus Quay in Bremerhaven, where technical teams began assessing the damage. The vessel had been scheduled to undertake a 20-day cruise to the Canary Islands. However, TUI Cruises subsequently cancelled the voyage, confirming that the ship would require repairs at a shipyard.
According to German media reports citing police, all three vessels involved in the collision were initially prohibited from departing pending further inspections.
The damage to the cruise ship’s lifeboats and associated equipment also raised concerns over its ability to meet passenger vessel safety requirements before resuming operations.
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