Mein Schiff 3 collided with two container ships in Bremerhaven, causing significant damage and canceling its Canary Islands voyage.
The Mein Schiff 3 cruise ship, carrying 3,350 people, collided with two container ships while departing from Bremerhaven Port in Germany during stormy weather. The accident resulted in significant damage to the vessels, and operations of all three ships were prohibited. The Canary Islands voyage was canceled.
The maritime accident occurred on Sunday, October 25, at Bremerhaven Port, when the Mein Schiff 3 cruise ship, owned by TUI Cruises, collided with two container ships during its departure maneuver. The accident, caused by strong winds, resulted in damage to the lifeboats and hull of the cruise ship.
According to a statement from Bremen Police on October 26, the accident took place around 5:30 PM local time in the Stromkaje area. The cruise ship, which was departing from the cruise terminal bound for the Canary Islands, was swept towards two container ships moored at the dock due to a strong gust of wind while maneuvering with the assistance of tugboats.
A significant crack formed in the hull of MSC Victorine.
One of the container ships involved in the accident was identified as the MSC Victorine, which is part of the MSC fleet and has a capacity of 16,520 TEU.
As a result of the collision, a crack approximately 10 meters long occurred on the port side of the large container ship, just above the waterline. The container guides were also deformed. The other container ship sustained lighter material damage.
Police reported that there was no water ingress on any of the three vessels.
Lifeboats of the cruise ship were damaged.
As a result of the collision, multiple lifeboats, lifeboat cranes, and the outer hull of the Mein Schiff 3 were severely damaged.
Following the accident, the cruise ship cut short its voyage and returned to the Columbuskaje terminal in Bremerhaven.
There were a total of 3,350 people on board, including 2,428 passengers and 922 crew members. Authorities stated that there were no injuries reported in the accident.
Departure bans were imposed on all three ships.
Bremen Police announced that, following the accident, a departure ban was imposed on all three ships by the unit responsible for ship safety in Germany.
TUI Cruises reported that technical inspections revealed that the cruise ship had sustained damages requiring emergency repairs at the shipyard.
The company announced the cancellation of the 20-day Canary Islands voyage as a result. It was stated that information efforts regarding the cancellation of passengers' travel were initiated.
An investigation into the cause of the accident has been launched.
At the time of the accident, it was reported that the Manja storm was affecting the North Sea coast of Germany.
In footage recorded by eyewitnesses and confirmed by the German news agency dpa, the cruise ship, accompanied by tugboats, is seen approaching the container ship before the collision occurred.
Bremen Water Police has initiated an investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident and responsibilities.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
