German police investigate cruise ship captain after Bremerhaven collision

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 27 Oct, 09:20 · Archive

A cruise liner collided with two container ships in Bremerhaven, causing millions of euros in damage and forcing cancellation of a planned voyage.

German police are investigating the captain of the Mein Schiff 3 cruise liner after it collided with two container ships in Bremerhaven on Sunday evening. A gust of wind pushed the nearly fully booked ship, carrying 2,428 passengers and 922 crew members, toward the moored vessels while tugboats were helping it leave port. Neither vessel took on water and no one was injured, though damage was estimated in the millions of euros.

The larger container ship sustained substantial damage, with several meters of its port side torn open and container guides deformed. The smaller vessel sustained minor damage, and the cruise ship was significantly damaged, including to its lifeboats and bridge. All damage was several meters above the waterline. Technical experts determined that shipyard repairs were necessary.

Operator TUI Cruises cancelled a planned 20-day Canary Islands cruise as a result, calling it 'the only responsible decision' and saying passenger and crew safety had 'highest priority'. It remained unclear whether other voyages planned for this year could proceed. Police opened proceedings to establish whether the captain breached his duty of care, with investigators speaking to the captains of all three vessels overnight into Monday.

How it is being reported

• Cruise ship crashes into two container ships during stormA captain whose cruise liner collided with container ships in strong winds is being investigated by German police.Al Jazeera · 27 Oct, 08:46
• German police probe cruise ship captain after Bremerhaven collisionA three-ship collision has led to the cancellation of a cruise and expensive damages. Shipyard repairs are needed, and further cruises could be affected.DW News · 26 Oct, 17:00

In this story: Mein Schiff 3 · TUI Cruises · Bremerhaven · Canary Islands

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