German police have opened an investigation into the captain of the cruise ship *Mein Schiff 3* after it collided with two container vessels in Bremerhaven on Sunday evening.

The accident occurred as the TUI Cruises ship, carrying 2,428 passengers and 922 crew, was leaving port with tugboat assistance when a wind gust pushed it into two anchored container ships at the Stromkaje terminal. The police confirmed that all three vessels sustained damage, with the larger container ship suffering a torn port side and deformed container guides, while the cruise ship had visible damage to its lifeboats and bridge. No injuries or water ingress were reported.

Authorities estimated the material damage at millions of euros and imposed a temporary sailing ban on all three ships. A police spokeswoman stated that an administrative offense procedure had been initiated against the captain to determine whether he breached his duty of care. Investigators interviewed the captains of all three vessels overnight.

TUI Cruises canceled the ship’s planned 20-day Canary Islands voyage, citing the need for immediate dry-dock repairs. A company spokeswoman called the cancellation “the only responsible decision,” prioritizing the safety of guests and crew. The vessel returned to the cruise terminal after the collision, and technical experts assessed the damage before confirming the repair requirement.

Social media footage captured the moment of impact, showing the cruise ship drifting toward the container vessels despite tugboat efforts. A bystander’s video, widely shared online, includes the comment, “I think that’s it for the trip,” as the collision occurs. The smaller container ship sustained minor damage, while the cruise ship and the larger container vessel were significantly affected, with damage observed several meters above the waterline.