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TUI Cruises' Mein Schiff 3 has collided with container ships while departing Bremerhaven, Germany, on Sunday 25 October 2026, causing damage to the cruise ship and several lifeboats.
The incident occurred during stormy weather as the vessel was beginning a 20-night cruise to the Canary Islands.
Despite the damage, no injuries have been reported among the 2,428 passengers and 922 crew members onboard.
The ship subsequently returned to the cruise terminal, where inspections are underway to determine the extent of the damage.
Update 27 October: Entire Cruise Cancelled as Captain Faces Investigation
TUI Cruises has confirmed that Mein Schiff 3's entire 20-night Canary Islands cruise has been cancelled following Sunday's collision with two container ships in Bremerhaven, Germany.
The cruise line initially hoped to assess the damage before determining whether the voyage could continue. However, inspections revealed that the ship requires urgent repairs at a shipyard.
The collision damaged several lifeboats, their lifting equipment and sections of the ship's exterior. One of the container vessels, MSC Victorine, also sustained significant damage, including a large tear in its hull.
All 2,428 passengers were informed of the cancellation on Monday morning and instructed to disembark and return home. There were also 922 crew members onboard when the incident occurred. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported.
Captain Under Investigation
German police have also confirmed that they are investigating whether the ship's captain breached his duty of care by attempting to depart during the severe weather conditions.
According to German broadcaster NDR, authorities have opened administrative offence proceedings to examine the circumstances surrounding the departure.
The investigation does not mean the captain has been found responsible for the collision.
TUI Cruises has not yet confirmed when Mein Schiff 3 will return to service or whether subsequent sailings will be affected.
The cruise line has expressed regret over the cancellation, saying the decision was necessary to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.
Mein Schiff 3 Collides with Container Ships in Bremerhaven
According to an official statement from Bremen Police, the collision occurred on Sunday evening as Mein Schiff 3 was leaving the port of Bremerhaven.
The ship had departed the Columbuskaje cruise terminal with tugboat assistance and was manoeuvring past the container terminal when the collision occurred.
Weather conditions were particularly challenging, with strong winds and rough water affecting the area as Storm Manja moved across northern Germany.
Video footage circulating online shows the cruise ship passing close to container vessels alongside the terminal before making contact.
Several lifeboats on the side of Mein Schiff 3 appear to have sustained significant damage during the incident.
German authorities have confirmed that two container ships were involved in the collision, although TUI Cruises initially referred to contact with one container ship.
The precise circumstances remain under investigation.
Cruise ship Mein Schiff 3 collides with container vessel while running out port today
by u/Nappi22 in CatastrophicFailure
Damage Reported to Lifeboats and Container Ship
The collision caused visible damage to Mein Schiff 3, particularly around its lifeboat deck.
According to Cruise Industry News, footage of the incident shows multiple lifeboats being damaged as the cruise ship made contact with a container vessel.
German public broadcaster Tagesschau also reported that one of the container ships sustained a tear approximately 10 metres long.
Authorities indicated there had been no water ingress into the affected vessels.
Two tugboats assisting with the departure were also reportedly damaged.
While the visible damage is substantial, the full extent of the damage to Mein Schiff 3 and the other vessels has not yet been established.
No Injuries Reported Among Passengers and Crew
TUI Cruises has confirmed that no injuries were reported following the collision.
At the time of the incident, Mein Schiff 3 was carrying 2,428 passengers and 922 crew members.
Following the collision, the vessel returned to the Columbuskaje cruise terminal in Bremerhaven.
Passengers were initially permitted to remain onboard while specialists assessed the damage.
In a statement provided to German broadcaster NDR, TUI Cruises confirmed the incident and said further information would be provided once reliable findings were available.
Will Mein Schiff 3's Canary Islands Cruise Go Ahead?
Mein Schiff 3 was scheduled to depart Bremerhaven on Sunday 25 October for a 20-night cruise to the Canary Islands.
However, the collision has raised uncertainty about whether the voyage can continue as planned.
Of particular concern is the reported damage to several of the ship's lifeboats.
Cruise ships are required to carry sufficient lifesaving equipment for passengers and crew, and any damage affecting the ship's required evacuation capacity would need to be addressed before sailing could safely resume.
Whether the damaged lifeboats can be repaired or replaced quickly remains unclear.
As of the latest available reports, TUI Cruises had not confirmed when Mein Schiff 3 would depart Bremerhaven or whether changes would be made to the itinerary.
Passengers remain onboard while inspections continue.
Authorities Investigating the Collision
Bremen's Water Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Although the collision occurred during strong winds associated with Storm Manja, authorities have not yet determined the cause.
Investigators will need to establish the sequence of events and the factors that contributed to the collision.
The incident has attracted considerable attention after eyewitness footage began circulating online, showing the ship's departure and the moment of impact.
For now, the priority is assessing the damage and determining when the vessel can safely return to service.
Further updates are expected as TUI Cruises and German authorities release additional information.
