Wind sends German cruise crashing into container vessels
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No one was hurt, but the damage canceled a 20-day Canary Islands cruise.

Jenn Jordan
ByJenn Jordan•
11 hours agoUpdated: October 27, 2026, 4:36 pm EDTPublished: October 27, 2026, 4:06 pm EDT
Crushed lifeboats and damaged hull plating on the side of a cruise ship, showing fire and impact damage

The "Mein Schiff 3" is docked at the Columbuskaje after colliding with two container ships amid stormy weather.

(Sina Schuldt/dpa)

Stormy weather bringing powerful wind gusts of nearly 60 mph sent a massive cruise ship crashing into container vessels at a German port, causing millions of euros in damage and canceling a 20-day voyage.

The Mein Schiff 3 was carrying 2,428 passengers and 922 crew members on October 25, when a sudden gust pushed the ship toward two container vessels in Bremerhaven Harbor.

Just how strong were the winds?

Wind speeds were reported around 25 mph, but meteorologists recorded storm gusts reaching up to 59 mph in the area. 

Those sudden bursts can be especially challenging for ships navigating tight spaces.

Video of the collision also shows noticeable waves in the harbor, adding to the rough-looking conditions.

Northern Germany had been experiencing gale-force winds and heavy rain in the days leading up to the accident.

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Damage assessments and investigation underway

Fortunately, nobody was injured, and none of the three ships took on water, but the damage was substantial.

Close-up of a damaged cruise ship bridge wing with torn metal roof and exposed insulation

Images show the damaged bridge of the "Mein Schiff 3" after the cruise ship collided with two container ships.

(Sina Schuldt/dpa)

The larger container ship had several meters of its port side torn open, while the cruise ship sustained damage to its lifeboats, cranes and hull.

Technical experts determined that the Mein Schiff 3 needed shipyard repairs, prompting operator TUI Cruises to cancel its planned Canary Islands voyage.

German police are investigating the collision, including whether the captains took proper precautions under the weather conditions.

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