Reviews & Ratings for the Funny-Girl

On June 13, 2026, the ferry 'Funny Girl' encountered an engine failure, leaving it adrift approximately four nautical miles off the coast of Heligoland, located in the Pinneberg district of the North Sea. The incident took place in the midst of seven Beaufort winds and involved 69 passengers onboard. The vessel was traveling from Büsum to Heligoland at the time of the incident. In response to the emergency, the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) of the DGzRS in Bremen dispatched the sea rescue cruiser 'Hermann Marwede' (IMO: 9282601) to provide assistance. Upon arrival, the rescue vessel successfully established a towing connection with the stranded ferry. Meanwhile, the patrol boat 'Bad Düben' (IMO: 9830032) maintained a standby position nearby. Approximately two hours later, the emergency tug 'Nordic' (IMO: 9525962) took over the towing operation, guiding the 'Funny Girl' towards the Elbe outer anchorage, accompanied by the 'Hermann Marwede'. Once safely in the anchorage, the commercial tug 'Wulf 4' (IMO: 9639737) was dispatched to tow the ferry to its destination in Cuxhaven, with the support of the lifeboat 'Hans Hackmack' (MMSI: 211235200). The 'Hermann Marwede' then returned to its station after ensuring the ferry's safe passage. The 'Funny Girl' finally docked in Cuxhaven at around 10:30 p.m. As a result of this incident, all scheduled sailings of the vessel on June 14 and 15 were canceled. In order to accommodate affected passengers, the operator Cassen Eils announced that the passenger m/v 'Helgoland' (IMO: 9714862) would perform the return trip for the 'Funny Girl', utilizing a route through Cuxhaven. Following that, passengers would transfer to the passenger m/v 'Fair Lady' (IMO 7016474) for the final leg back to Büsum, with all tickets remaining valid. For further updates, you can view reports with accompanying photographs from NDR and DGzRS.

The Adler Eils shipping company is gearing up to reinstate its passenger catamaran, 'Funny Girl', into service by June 20 following essential repairs. In the interim, a specialized timetable has been implemented for the 'Nordlicht', which typically provides transportation between Cuxhaven and Helgoland. On June 16 and 17, 'Nordlicht' adhered to its regular departure schedule. Furthermore, on June 18 and 19, the vessel added two extra sailings from Büsum in the Dithmarschen district, ensuring continued service for travelers during the repair period.

On June 14, the passenger ferry 'Funny Girl' docked at Mützelfeldt Shipyard in Cuxhaven to undergo crucial inspections and engine repairs. This development followed a challenging rescue operation, as the sea rescue cruiser 'Hermann Marwede' (IMO: 9282601) had initially attempted to tow the disabled vessel but was forced to turn back due to severe weather conditions that made reaching the Heligoland port impossible. The inclement weather also prevented any evacuation of the passengers. Subsequently, the emergency tug 'Nordic' (IMO: 9525962) took charge of towing the 'Funny Girl' towards Cuxhaven. In an efficient response, the shipping company Cassen-Eils dispatched the tug 'Wulf 4' (IMO: 9639737) to intercept the disabled ferry just off Scharhörn and continue facilitating her journey safely to port. Meanwhile, for those awaiting to return from Heligoland to Büsum, the passenger m/v 'Helgoland' (IMO: 9714862) stepped in to transport them back. The passengers were seamlessly transferred in Cuxhaven to another vessel, the m/v 'Fair Lady' (IMO: 7016474), which safely delivered them to Büsum, the original point of departure for 'Funny Girl'. As 'Wulf 4' towed the 'Funny Girl' through the rough waters, additional support from the tug 'Wulf 5' (IMO: 8912209) was called upon to assist with steering maneuvers. A specialized radar setup was deployed to enhance navigation, with 'Nordic' trailing behind. The 'Hermann Marwede' escorted the convoy until the transfer of 'Funny Girl' was complete, at which point she was succeeded by the lifeboat 'Hans Hackmack' (MMSI: 211235200) from the DGzRS Cuxhaven station. Finally, after enduring harsh conditions, the tow safely entered America Port, allowing passengers to disembark with relief. For visual highlights of this successful operation, visit: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17mKzfK3f5/

On the morning of August 6, a significant marine diesel spill occurred at the Büsum port as the vessel "Funny Girl" was undergoing a refueling operation. Approximately 500 liters of diesel leaked into the waters, prompting immediate action from local emergency services. Volunteer firefighters from both Büsum and Hennstedt were quick to respond, deploying oil booms to contain the spill and initiating the cleanup process throughout the day. Over 35 firefighters participated in the operation, with crews taking turns to sustain their efforts into the evening. Additionally, the Warwerort fire department contributed assistance by providing drone support to monitor the extent of the spill. As a precaution, the port was closed, leading to the cancellation of the scheduled departure to Heligoland island. Passengers intending to return to Büsum were instead transported by ferry to Cuxhaven and then by coach. Services from Büsum are expected to resume on August 7. This incident highlights the importance of swift response measures in minimizing environmental impact during such operations.

On July 14, 2025, a medical emergency unfolded aboard the vessel 'Funny Girl', which was journeying from Büsum to Heligoland. A female passenger collapsed, prompting immediate action from several onlookers, including a paramedic enjoying a holiday and four nurses who were also on board. Despite their quick response, the situation quickly escalated in seriousness. Realising the need for advanced medical care, the paramedics called for a helicopter to airlift the patient to a medical facility. However, the scene took a turn for the worse when some fellow passengers displayed troubling behavior. According to the paramedic involved, many vacationers began to crowd around, some recording the incident on their cell phones instead of offering help. In a shocking display of insensitivity, passengers climbed over the critically ill individual. In an effort to secure the area and prepare for the helicopter's arrival, the crew was forced to clear the rear deck and the sun deck. Unfortunately, some passengers disregarded the cordon and explicit instructions from the crew, even stepping over the patient on the deck. Ultimately, the woman's condition was stabilised, and she was safely hoisted by the helicopter for transport to the hospital, but the conduct of a few individuals marred the professionalism of those trying to assist. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of community respect and cooperation during emergencies at sea.

The passenger vessel 'Funny Girl' made its return to the America Port of Cuxhaven on August 27 at 2 p.m., following necessary diver inspections in Helgoland. The repairs for the damages sustained during a collision with the 'Helgoland' were effectively carried out at Mützelfeld Yard, specifically addressing the impact on the port side stern of the 'Funny Girl'. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the 129 guests aboard the 'Helgoland' or the 166 individuals on the 'Funny Girl'. On August 28, the vessel departed Cuxhaven after receiving clearance for passenger operations, arriving at Buesum by 5 a.m. The 'Funny Girl' then resumed its planned journey to Helgoland, making its first arrival shortly after noon at 12 p.m. that day.

On August 26 at approximately 7 p.m., the ferry 'Funny Girl' successfully refloated with the assistance of the rising tide and made its way into the South Port of Helgoland for necessary inspections following a maritime mishap. The operation was supported by the small vessel 'Christian' from the lifeboat 'Hermann Rudolf Meyer'. During its encounter with the 'Helgoland', the ferry sustained damage to its port side; however, fortunately, all 166 passengers on board were unharmed. By August 27 at 11:40 a.m., 'Funny Girl' was back in operation and headed towards Cuxhaven. For further details and visuals, refer to the German report here: http://www.cn-online.de/lokales/news/seebaederschiff-lief-vor-helgoland-auf-grund.html?tx_ttnewsextender%5BimgIndex%5D=0&cHash=689ca74cd05028c28fef85bf98a29189

On August 26, 2011, the excursion vessel 'Funny Girl' encountered an unexpected challenge as it ran aground on the Seal Cliff off the northern beach of Helgoland. The incident led to the evacuation of passengers onto the island, transforming what was meant to be a leisurely outing into an adventurous day. For more details, you can view a German report complete with images at this link: http://www.kn-online.de/schleswig_holstein/aus_dem_land/248113-Ausflugsschiff-vor-Helgoland-auf-Grund-gelaufen.html.