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A cruise ship has suffered “considerable damage” after it collided with two container ships while leaving Germany in stormy weather.
Tui Cruises vessel Mein Schiff 3 was departing Bremerhaven, Germany, on Sunday when it collided with container ships, including MSC Victorine.
According to a statement from the Bremen Police, the ship was scheduled to depart from the Canary Islands with the assistance of tugboats when it was caught by a gust of wind and “drifted towards two container ships” moored near the quay.
“The smaller container ship sustained minor damage, while the larger one suffered considerable damage. The collision tore open several meters of the port side of the larger container ship and deformed the container guides,” said the force.
Bremen Police added: “The ship sustained considerable damage to its lifeboats, associated cranes, and hull.
“The maritime safety authority has issued a sailing ban for all three vessels. Further investigations by the water police are ongoing.”
Footage shared by passengers shows the ship scraping against the other vessel as it began a 20-night voyage to the Canary Islands.
The Mein Schiff 3 debuted in 2014 with a capacity of 2,506 passengers and 1,000 crew members.
No passenger or crew injuries were reported following the incident.
A Tui Cruises spokesperson told the Mirror: “We can confirm that, as the Mein Schiff 3 was leaving Bremerhaven in the late afternoon of 25 October, a collision occurred with two container ships.
“The safety of our guests and crew is our top priority. We are therefore very relieved that, according to current information, no one has been injured.”
The scheduled Canary Islands cruise was cancelled due to safety concerns following the crash, added the cruise line.
The Independent has contacted Tui Cruises for comment.
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