The Mein Schiff 3 cruise ship, operated by TUI Cruises, collided with two container ships in Bremerhaven, Germany, on October 25, 2026, at approximately 5:30 p.m. The incident occurred during the vessel’s departure maneuver amid strong winds and a sudden gust that pushed the ship toward the docked container vessels. The Mein Schiff 3 was assisted by tugboats at the time of the collision.
Damage to Mein Schiff 3 and Container Ships
No injuries were reported among the passengers or crew aboard the Mein Schiff 3, and no water ingress was detected on any of the ships involved. The cruise ship sustained significant damage, including to multiple lifeboats,
their davits, and several hull components. One of the container ships involved suffered a large gash several meters above the waterline on its port side, along with deformation of its container guides. The second container ship sustained comparatively minor damage.
Operational Impact and Cruise Cancellation
Following the collision, Mein Schiff 3 returned to dock in Bremerhaven for a damage inspection. The assessment showed that repairs would require shipyard work beyond simple port-side fixes. Maritime authorities subsequently placed a departure ban on Mein Schiff 3 and the two container ships involved. As a direct consequence, TUI Cruises canceled the Mein Schiff 3’s planned 20-day cruise to
the Canary Islands, which was scheduled to begin on the evening of October 25, 2026.
Official Responses and Investigation
TUI Cruises announced the cancellation after initial technical inspections prioritized safety for passengers and crew. The company issued an apology to customers affected by the disruption and is actively informing and assisting them. The German Maritime Police have opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision. While strong winds and a gust during departure appear to have contributed, the definitive causes and liability remain under review.
Challenges of Port Maneuvering in Adverse Weather
This incident underscores the difficulties of navigating large vessels like Mein Schiff 3, built in 2014, during adverse
weather conditions even when assisted by tugboats. Maneuvering within port areas remains a complex operation requiring careful consideration of environmental factors. The investigation results will further clarify the specific contributing elements to this collision in Bremerhaven.
