Captain faces investigation after Bremerhaven cruise ship collision

October 28 ------ German police have launched an investigation into the captain of the cruise ship Mein Schiff 3 following its collision with two containerships in Bremerhaven, with damage now estimated in the millions of euros.

According to German broadcaster NDR and regional broadcaster Radio Bremen, authorities are examining whether the captain breached his duty of care during the departure maneuver, which took place amid strong winds.

A police spokesperson confirmed that administrative offense proceedings (Ordnungswidrigkeitsverfahren) had been initiated, although investigators have not specified the circumstances of the suspected violation. No determination of responsibility has been announced.

Strong winds and departure decision under scrutiny

As previously reported, the TUI Cruises vessel was departing Bremerhaven’s Columbuskaje on October 25 when a powerful wind gust reportedly pushed it toward two containerships berthed at the Stromkaje terminal, including MSC Victorine.

According to police, five tugboats were assisting the cruise ship during the maneuver because of the adverse weather conditions. Despite their assistance, the vessel collided with the containerships, causing damage to all three ships.

Bremerhaven Port Captain Stephan Berger explained to Radio Bremen that the port does not impose a general prohibition on vessel departures during strong winds. Although a harbor pilot was onboard, the ultimate decision to depart rested with the ship’s captain.

The circumstances surrounding that decision are now under examination.

Damage estimated in the millions

Police have provisionally estimated the property damage at several million euros, although a final assessment has not been released. According to German media reports, the larger containership sustained significant damage, while the smaller vessel was less seriously affected.

Mein Schiff 3 also suffered substantial damage, including to its lifeboats. However, no injuries were reported among the 2,428 passengers and 922 crew members onboard. Following the collision, the cruise ship returned safely to its berth at Columbuskaje, where technical inspections were initiated.

TUI Cruises subsequently confirmed that the damage requires shipyard repairs, prompting the cancellation of its scheduled Canary Islands cruise.

In an operational update on 26 October, the company said Mein Schiff 3 remained in Bremerhaven while technical teams assessed the damage and prepared the necessary repairs.

The cruise operator added that it was still evaluating whether subsequent voyages would be affected. Investigations into the collision remain ongoing, with authorities examining the circumstances of the departure maneuver and the captain’s possible responsibility.

Source: safety4sea.com