A brand new cruise vessel flying the UK flag has rammed into a dolphin structure of the Emden large sea lock (Große Seeschleuse) in Germany.
The incident occurred in the evening hours of June 24, according to a statement issued by the water police in Oldenburg.
The 236-meter-long Spirit of Discovery was delivered to UK’s Saga Cruises by German shipbuilder Meyer Werft in a ceremony held earlier that day.
Following the ceremony, the small cruise ship wanted to leave Emden in the direction of Eemshaven when it allided with the wooden dolphin in the Emden harbor.
World Maritime News understands that the 58,250 GT cruise vessel sustained minor damage to the paintwork on a small area of its hull, while the dolphin suffered considerable damage.
There were no injuries to the ship’s crew, local media reported.
The cause of the incident remains unknown and an investigation into the matter has been launched.
Spirit of Discovery is one of two sister vessels ordered by Meyer Werft by Saga Cruises. The second newbuild is slated for delivery in summer 2020.
World Maritime News Staff