Cruise ship heavily damages MSC container ship in Bremerhaven

The container ship MSC Victorine sustained heavy damage in a collision with TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff 3 in the German port of Bremerhaven on Sunday, 25 October. No injuries were reported. The collision occurred at around 17:30, shortly after Mein Schiff 3 left the Columbuskaje cruise terminal with tugboat assistance for a 20-day voyage to the Canary Islands. Strong winds associated with Storm Manja were affecting the German North Sea coast at the time.

During the departure manoeuvre, the cruise ship was blown towards the quay and collided with container ships moored at the Eurogate terminal. MSC Victorine suffered a crack of about 10 metres in its hull above the waterline. Several containers and deck structures were also damaged. Port authorities said no water entered the vessel. Mein Schiff 3 sustained damage to several lifeboats, their davits and the hull. It was subsequently towed back to the cruise terminal for a damage inspection. The ship had more than 2,400 passengers and 900 crew members on board.

There are conflicting reports about the number of container ships involved. Bremen police said Mein Schiff 3 struck two vessels, while TUI Cruises said it was involved in a single collision. MSC Anne F, which was also in the vicinity, sustained significant damage, according to the port authorities. A third container ship reportedly suffered minor damage. MSC Anne F has been placed under a sailing ban while authorities assess whether emergency repairs can be carried out. Mein Schiff 3 will require shipyard repairs before it can resume its voyage.

This story was originally published by World Cargo News. Read the full story at World Cargo News →