A cruise ship carrying 2,428 passengers collided with two container vessels in Bremerhaven on Sunday, forcing the cancellation of its 20-day Canary Islands voyage.
The *Mein Schiff 3*, operated by TUI Cruises, was departing the port with tugboat assistance when a wind gust pushed it into two anchored container ships, police said. The impact tore open the port side of the larger container vessel over several meters and deformed its container guides, while the cruise ship sustained significant damage, including to its lifeboats and bridge. No water entered any of the ships, and no injuries were reported.
All three vessels were placed under a departure ban, and the *Mein Schiff 3* returned to the cruise terminal. TUI Cruises confirmed the ship required immediate dry dock repairs, prompting the cancellation of the planned trip. “The identified damage necessitates short-term repair work in a shipyard,” a company spokeswoman said, calling the decision “the only responsible one” to prioritize safety.
Passengers, who had boarded for a near-full sailing, were allowed to remain on the ship as experts assessed the damage. Videos circulating on social media captured the moment of impact, with one passenger remarking, “I think that’s it for the trip.” The smaller container ship suffered minor damage, while the larger one and the cruise liner sustained substantial harm, all above the waterline.
TUI Cruises stated it was working to inform and assist affected guests. The company has not yet determined whether subsequent *Mein Schiff 3* voyages scheduled for later this year will proceed. The accident occurred as the ship, with 922 crew members, prepared to leave for the Canary Islands on Sunday evening.
