Cruise ship Mein Schiff 3 collides with container ship in storm while leaving Bremerhaven

The cruise ship Mein Schiff 3 collided with at least one container ship on Sunday evening as it left the German port of Bremerhaven in stormy weather. Police initially spoke of one ship and later said three vessels were affected, while TUI Cruises said its ship made contact with only one container ship. No injuries have been reported so far. The German Weather Service had issued a gust warning for Bremerhaven.

TUI Cruises said 2,428 guests and 922 crew members were on board and could remain on the ship for the time being. The vessel is back at the pier while the damage is assessed. An eyewitness video verified by dpa shows the ship, escorted by tugs, closing in on a moored freighter. The Nordsee-Zeitung reported a tear of about 10 meters in a container ship's hull, and Radio Bremen said two tugs were damaged. Lifeboats were also damaged.

Water police are investigating, and the cause and extent of the damage remain unclear. Police said more information would be released on Monday. It is uncertain whether the planned 20-day voyage to the Canary Islands can go ahead. A TUI Cruises spokeswoman said further information would be provided as soon as confirmed findings were available.