German police probe cruise ship captain after Bremerhaven collision
A three-ship collision has led to the cancellation of a cruise and expensive damages. Shipyard repairs are needed, and further cruises could be affected.
German authorities are probing the captain of the Mein Schiff 3 cruise ship following a collision with two container vessels in Bremerhaven. The incident, which resulted in millions of euros in damage and the cancellation of a subsequent 20-day Canary Islands cruise, may have broader implications for other planned voyages this year.
Police have initiated an investigation into whether the captain violated his duty of care, though the specific violation remains unspecified. The 2,428 passengers and 922 crew members on board the ship were unharmed, and none of the vessels sustained water intake. The larger container ship suffered extensive damage to its port side, while the smaller vessel had minor damage.
The cruise ship itself also sustained significant damage to its lifeboats and bridge, with all damage occurring above the waterline. Following the collision, technical experts determined that the ship required shipyard repairs, leading to the cancellation of the Canary Islands cruise due to the highest priority placed on passenger and crew safety. It remains uncertain whether other scheduled cruises will proceed as planned.
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