Cruise Ship Collides with Cargo Ship in German Storm

A cruise ship carrying over 3,300 people collided with a cargo ship in Bremerhaven, Germany, amid strong winds from Storm Manja. The incident occurred Sunday at approximately 5 p.m. local time as the Mein Schiff 3 attempted to leave the Columbus Quay port.

Tugboats were assisting the large vessel, but powerful gusts made navigation difficult. Footage from inside the cruise ship shows passengers reacting with alarm as a loud crashing sound is heard, followed by the vessel slamming into a freighter. Holidaymakers were seen moving across the deck in apparent distress.

According to German newspaper Bild, the cargo ship sustained damage, with its hull being ripped open. The Mein Schiff 3 was unable to depart as of Monday morning and remained in the German port. Passengers were still on board the vessel, which was scheduled for a 20-day journey to the Canary Islands.

Christian Breden, who was at the dock to see his parents off, described the scene. "The ship stood still for several minutes, about 30 meters from the quay. It couldn't make any headway against the wind. The gusts were really strong," he told Bild. He added that his parents, who were on the ship, reported a significant shaking and jolting during the collision.

Some passengers on the opposite side of the cruise ship reportedly did not notice the impact until later, with many finding out at dinner.

No injuries were reported among the 2,428 passengers and 922 crew members on board the Mein Schiff 3. The Bremen Water Police are investigating the cause of the accident, which involved three vessels.

A spokesperson for the cruise operator stated that further information would be released once verified findings are available. Storm Manja has been affecting northern Germany, with wind speeds reaching up to 100 km/h, and hurricane-force gusts of approximately 110 km/h expected along the North Sea coast.