Cruise Ship Crashes into Container Vessels in Stormy Bremerhaven Exit

A TUI cruise liner, Mein Schiff 3, crashed into two container ships while departing Bremerhaven, Germany, during a storm on 25 October 2026 ^[1]. The incident occurred just 10 minutes after the ship left the quay, as high winds caused it to drift toward two moored vessels, including the MSC Victorine ^[2]. Dramatic footage captured passengers watching in alarm as the 8,000-tonne liner scraped against the larger container ship, tearing a 10-metre-long gash in its hull and damaging lifeboats and cranes on both vessels.

No injuries were reported among the 2,428 passengers and 922 crew members on board ^[1]. Captain Jan Schubert confirmed that while no one was hurt, the ship sustained considerable damage requiring urgent repair work at a shipyard. The maritime safety authority has issued a sailing ban for all three vessels, with water police conducting ongoing investigations ^[2].

The cruise, originally scheduled for a 20-day journey to the Canary Islands, was cancelled due to safety concerns ^[1][2]. TUI Cruises stated the decision was difficult but necessary to uphold safety standards. The ship returned to the Columbuskaje quay, where experts began assessing structural integrity and damage. Restaurants and bars remained open as passengers stayed onboard overnight.

The incident highlights the risks of navigating in severe weather, especially during departure from ports. The Bremen Police confirmed the larger container ship suffered significant hull damage and deformed container guides, while the smaller one sustained minor damage ^[2]. TUI Cruises reiterated that guest and crew safety is their top priority ^[1].

What happens next remains unclear. The full extent of the damage and repair timeline are still under assessment, with updates expected as investigations progress. The story was first reported by Mirror and The Independent.