A US coastguard ice-breaking vessel rescued cruise ship Scenic Eclipse II after it got stuck in the Ross Sea in Antarctica.
The ship’s captain contacted the Polar Star at 11pm last Friday after becoming stuck in pack ice, around eight nautical miles from McMurdo Sound, while it was operating scenic helicopter flights.
Polar Star is a US coastguard cutter ship used to carve navigable channels through the Antarctic ice to make way for essential fuel and cargo deliveries to research stations and operations.
After receiving the call from Scenic Eclipse II, it made two close passes to the ship to break it free from the ice, then escorted it four nautical miles to open water.
In a statement, Scenic said Champagne was served on ship’s deck during the operation, which it describd as a ‘memorable highlight’ and a ‘unique shared experience’ for its guests.
The luxury cruise ship had left Hobart in Tasmania on 6 January on a 23-night cruise, which is due to end in New Zealand on Friday.
It is one of only a very few cruises to visit East Antarctica, with the Ross Sea deemed ‘the most remote ocean on earth’.
The seldom-visited region boasts pristine landscapes and unique wildlife, such as Emperor Penguins.
In a statement, Scenic said: “On 16 January Scenic Eclipse II was in the Ross Sea near McMurdo Sound operating helicopter flights to the Dry Valleys.
“Due to changes in the pack ice during the day, progress was slower than planned to depart the area and the Captain requested assistance in the evening from nearby vessel USCG Polar Star to clear the way together and avoid a longer sailing period at reduced speed.
“The following day, the natural movement of the ice had opened up again, and conditions had normalised. For our guests, the operation became a memorable highlight; champagne was served on the Observation Deck to view a unique shared experience in East Antarctica.”
Captain James Griffiths, Scenic Group’s General Manager Ocean Operations, added: “We were grateful for the professionalism and cooperation of the crew of USCG Polar Star during our operations in the Ross Sea.
“While Scenic Eclipse II was never stuck or in need of rescue services, the coordination between both vessels ensured we could navigate the changing pack ice safely and efficiently. This is a great example of the practical, respectful co-operation that exists in the polar regions, where safety, seamanship and shared responsibility always come first.”
Both images are stock photos of East Antarctica
