On Sunday, October 25, 2026, at about 5:30 p.m., the cruise ship Mein Schiff 3 collided with two container vessels while leaving the Stromkaje quay in Bremerhaven, Germany. The incident occurred as the ship was departing under tugboat assistance when a strong gust of wind pushed it sideways into the moored container ships. All three vessels sustained damage in the event, though no injuries or water ingress were reported.
Damage to Mein Schiff 3 and Regulatory Response
The collision caused notable structural damage to Mein Schiff 3 and one of the cargo vessels involved. Several lifeboats aboard the cruise ship were also damaged. Following inspections, German authorities prohibited
the departure of all three damaged vessels until their conditions were fully assessed, preventing Mein Schiff 3 from continuing its voyage as scheduled.
Cancellation of Canary Islands Cruise and Impact on Passengers
Mein Schiff 3 was set to embark on a three-week cruise around the Canary Islands with 2,428 passengers and 922 crew members onboard. Early Monday morning, October 26, t he cruise operator TUI Cruises informed passengers that the voyage was cancelled due to the damage sustained during departure. Passengers were advised to disembark and return home, interrupting their planned holiday itineraries and complicating their additional travel and accommodation arrangements.
Official Statements and Passenger Guidance
TUI Cruises confirmed the cancellation citing the need
for shipyard repairs and technical assessments before the vessel can resume service. Authorities also maintained the ban on the ships’ departure until complete inspections or repairs occur. Passengers were advised to keep booking confirmations, cancellation notices, and receipts related to expenses resulting from the cancellation. Individuals with independent arrangements for onward transport or accommodation have been urged to communicate with those providers and review their insurance coverage.
Ongoing Investigation and Future Sailing Advisory
German authorities are actively investigating the collision, including examining the role of weather conditions such as the wind gust that triggered the accident. Mein Schiff 3’s return to service currently lacks a confirmed
timeline pending repair and technical evaluations. Passengers with bookings on subsequent departures of Mein Schiff 3 should directly verify the status of their sailings with TUI Cruises as future itineraries remain uncertain.
