AIDAperla undergoes checks after berth incident in Le Havre
Strong winds caused the cruise ship to move from its pier and contact a quay on 8 September, disrupting its itinerary.
AIDAperla broke free from its berth during strong winds in Le Havre, France, on the afternoon of 8 September, prompting safety inspections and changes to the ship’s itinerary. No injuries were reported.
AIDA Cruises said the vessel shifted from its position at the pier while a weather front was passing through and was subsequently examined for possible damage. German media reported that the ship’s stern touched a quay wall and that five tugboats were deployed to return it to a safe position.
A specialist cruise publication reported that AIDAperla turned by approximately 180 degrees and that an embarkation gangway detached during the incident. Neither AIDA Cruises nor the port had confirmed those details.
Separate local reporting said hundreds of passengers who were ashore at the time were unable to reboard immediately. The inspections and recovery operation led to disruption of the vessel’s planned schedule.