In the primary few weeks of the Antarctic cruise season, the US Coast Guard obtained studies of a number of tragic incidents which have taken place onboard expedition cruise ships working in Antarctica. The company introduced it has begun investigating the accidents.
Three expeditions cruise ships have seen tragic incidents occur in a two-week interval between November 15 and December 1, inflicting 4 fatalities. Two of the three ships are operated by corporations which have a few years of expertise working within the polar areas, whereas the opposite is operated by one of many greatest cruise operators in Europe.
Two Weeks, Four Accidents
It has been a difficult begin to the 2022-2023 Antarctic cruise season, with a number of incidents ensuing within the premature finish of journeys for company onboard the World Explorer, MV Plancius, and Viking Polaris.
During a concentrated two-week interval, between November 15 and December 1, 4 people have been concerned in unlucky accidents, both throughout a shore tour on a small zodiac boat or on one of many cruise vessels.
The accidents embody two U.S. residents who died when an inflatable boat from the Portuguese-flagged passenger vessel, World Explorer, capsized close to Elephant Island, Antarctica.
At the time, Quark Expeditions issued an announcement, saying: “A Zodiac boat carrying six passengers and two expedition staff overturned near shore, tragically resulting in two fatalities. The weather conditions were light winds and smooth sea state, and indications are the accident was caused by a breaking wave.”
“We will continue to work with and offer our assistance to those involved during this difficult time, including full cooperation with the relevant authorities.”
Another U.S. citizen was injured when an inflatable boat from the Norwegian-flagged passenger vessel, Viking Polaris, sustained a keel-bladder failure close to Damoy Point on November 28. In one other incident simply in the future later, one U.S. citizen died, and 4 others have been injured when a giant wave within the Drake Passage struck the Viking Polaris.
Additionally, a U.S. citizen aboard the Dutch-flagged passenger vessel MV Plancius died from an harm sustained on board. Oceanwide Expeditions function this ship.
All Casualties US-Nationals
All 4 people have been US Nationals, main the US Coast Guard to provoke an intensive investigation. The National Transportation Safety Board and worldwide flag administrations are additionally collaborating with the US Coast Guard within the examination of those marine casualties and to make attainable security suggestions.
Captain Gretchen Bailey of the Coast Guard: “Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families impacted by these events. The safety of U.S. passengers aboard ships globally is a priority for the U.S. Coast Guard.”
“We are proud to work alongside the NTSB and our international partners to investigate these incidents and make meaningful safety improvements for worldwide passenger vessel operations, especially in unique high-risk environments like the Antarctic.”
Teams from the US Coast Guard, NTSB, and the lead investigative states, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Norway, have deployed to Ushuaia, Argentina, to begin complete security investigations. The final goal is to enhance marine security and forestall comparable incidents from taking place sooner or later.
Are Antarctic Cruises Dangerous?
The latest accidents within the Antarctic waters in the course of the 2022-2023 cruise season spotlight the numerous dangers and risks of embarking on an expedition in such a distant and difficult atmosphere.
The harsh and unpredictable climate circumstances, mixed with the area’s remoteness and restricted or no entry to medical services, make a lot of these cruises difficult and unsafe. The indisputable fact that 4 US nationals misplaced their lives throughout a seemingly routine tour or onboard one of many vessels is a stark reminder of the hazards.
Expedition cruise operators reminiscent of Quark Expeditions and Oceanwide Expeditions work with and are identified for his or her extremely excessive normal of security onboard and ashore.
However, the truth that it’s these two corporations, in addition to a large cruise operator reminiscent of Viking, the place these accidents occurred reveals that an Antarctic cruise stays a cruise to a harmful and inhospitable a part of our planet.