German police investigate Mein Schiff 3 captain after Bremerhaven collision
Police are examining whether the cruise ship's captain breached a duty of care after it struck two container vessels. The 20-day Canary Islands voyage has been canceled.
German police have opened proceedings to determine whether the captain of Mein Schiff 3 breached a duty of care after the cruise ship struck two container vessels while leaving Bremerhaven on Sunday evening, October 25, Deutsche Welle reported. The collision forced the cancellation of a 20-day Canary Islands voyage. Police have not specified what lapse they suspect.
The proceedings concern a possible administrative offense, according to a police spokesperson cited by Deutsche Welle. They are examining the captain's conduct during the departure; the opening of proceedings does not establish that the captain breached a duty of care.
How the Bremerhaven collision unfolded
Tugboats were assisting the nearly fully booked liner when a gust of wind pushed it toward two moored container ships, police said, according to Deutsche Welle. Mein Schiff 3 had 2,428 passengers and 922 crew members aboard. Nobody was injured, and none of the three vessels took on water.
The larger container ship sustained substantial damage: several metres of its port side were torn open and its container guides were deformed. The smaller container ship had minor damage. Mein Schiff 3 was also significantly damaged, with photographs showing damage to its lifeboats and bridge. The damage described by Deutsche Welle was above the waterline, and the liner returned to the cruise terminal.
The Maritime Executive separately reported damage to the cruise ship and a container vessel, with no reported injuries or water ingress. It said police, water police and the port authority were investigating the circumstances of the collision. Whether a pilot was aboard the cruise ship was not known, the publication reported.
Why the Canary Islands cruise was canceled
Technical experts boarded Mein Schiff 3 after the collision and determined that shipyard repairs were necessary, TUI Cruises said, according to Deutsche Welle. The operator called cancellation of the Canary Islands trip the only responsible decision and said passenger and crew safety had the highest priority. Passengers were initially allowed to remain aboard while the company arranged assistance.
The Maritime Executive also reported that TUI Cruises had said the damage required urgent shipyard repairs. The operator had yet to determine what the collision meant for later scheduled trips, it reported. Deutsche Welle said it remained unclear whether the ship's other planned voyages this year could go ahead.
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Sources and context
- Cruise captain investigated after three-ship collision forces Canary Islands voyage cancellationDeutsche Welle
- Cruise Ship Damaged as It Hits Containership Departing BremerhavenThe Maritime Executive
AI-assisted article checked against the listed sources. NewsJaws did not conduct interviews or attend the reported events.