German police probe cruise ship captain after Bremerhaven collision

German police are investigating the captain of the Mein Schiff 3 cruise liner after it collided with two container ships in Bremerhaven.

The collision caused damage estimated to be in the millions of euros and forced the cancellation of a 20-day Canary Islands cruise, with further voyages potentially affected.

Why are police investigating the captain?

A police spokesperson said proceedings over a possible administrative offense had been opened to establish whether the captain breached his duty of care. Police have not specified the suspected lapse.

Broadcaster RTL reported that investigators spoke to the captains of all three vessels overnight into Monday.

How did the collision happen?

Tugboats were helping the nearly fully booked cruise ship leave the northern German port on Sunday evening when a gust of wind pushed it toward two moored container ships, police said.

The liner was carrying 2,428 passengers and 922 crew members. Nobody was injured, and none of the vessels took on water.

The larger container ship suffered substantial damage, with several meters of its port side torn open and container guides deformed. The smaller vessel sustained minor damage.

The cruise ship was also significantly damaged. Photographs showed damage to its lifeboats and bridge.

All damage was several meters above the waterline. The liner returned to the cruise terminal after the collision.

Could more cruises be canceled?

Technical experts boarded the ship shortly after the accident and determined that shipyard repairs were necessary, operator TUI Cruises said.

The company called canceling the Canary Islands voyage "the only responsible decision," saying passenger and crew safety had "highest priority." Passengers were initially allowed to remain aboard while the company arranged assistance.

It remained unclear whether other voyages planned for this year could go ahead.

The collision initially caused no disruption to other harbor traffic.