German police investigate Mein Schiff 3 captain after Bremerhaven crash

German police are investigating the captain of the cruise liner Mein Schiff 3 after the vessel collided with two container ships while departing the port of Bremerhaven, authorities said. Police opened proceedings over a possible administrative offense to determine whether the captain breached a duty of care. They have not identified the specific action or omission under investigation.

RTL, cited by DW, reported that investigators questioned the captains of all three vessels overnight into Monday. The collision happened on Sunday evening as tugboats assisted the nearly fully booked liner out of the northern German port. Police said a gust of wind pushed the cruise ship toward two container ships that were moored nearby.

No passengers, crew members or other people were injured, and none of the ships took on water. The Mein Schiff 3 was carrying 2,428 passengers and 922 crew members. The vessels returned to or remained in port after the incident, with no initial disruption to other harbour traffic.

The damage was nonetheless extensive. DW reported that several metres of the larger container ship’s port side were torn open and that its container guides were deformed. The smaller vessel sustained minor damage.

Photographs showed damage to the cruise ship’s lifeboats and bridge. The damage on all three ships was several metres above the waterline. TUI Cruises said technical experts inspected the liner shortly after the collision and determined that it needed shipyard repairs.

The operator cancelled a scheduled 20-day voyage to the Canary Islands, calling the decision the only responsible option and saying passenger and crew safety was its highest priority. Passengers were initially allowed to remain aboard while the company arranged assistance. The cruise had been expected to sail with the Mein Schiff 3, but its cancellation may not be the only disruption.

TUI Cruises said it was still unclear whether other voyages planned for later this year could proceed. Police have not announced any finding of fault, and the investigation remains focused on whether the captain failed to meet the required standard of care. The available account from authorities says wind affected the ship during a tug-assisted departure; the proceedings will establish whether any breach occurred in connection with the collision.