A cruise ship got stuck in dense sea ice near Antarctica on Saturday. The Scenic Eclipse II found itself stranded while navigating through the Ross Sea. The U.S. Coast Guard reported that the vessel couldn’t break free from the ice and needed help.
In footage from Coast Guard members, the icebreaker USCGC Polaris was seen breaking through the thick ice to reach the stranded ship. After the USCG arrived, the icebreaker maneuvered several times around the cruise ship to help loosen the surrounding ice.
The Scenic Eclipse II was about 8 miles (13 kilometers) from McMurdo Sound when it sought assistance late Friday night. Once freed, the ship was escorted a few miles away to ensure it could safely continue its journey.
According to details from the cruise line, Scenic Eclipse II has a maximum capacity of 228 guests and 176 crew members, but they temporarily reduced passenger capacity for this Antarctic trip.
Fortunately, there were no injuries reported, and the ship resumed its sailing. The Coast Guard noted that the captain called for help due to slower-than-expected progress caused by shifting ice floes. Thankfully, conditions improved the following day, allowing for safer navigation.
The cruise line highlighted a special moment when champagne was served on the observation deck as a way to thank the crew of the USCG Polar Star for their professionalism during this situation. Captain James Griffiths, with the Scenic Group, commented that while they didn’t need salvage services, the collaboration between the two vessels ensured safe navigation through challenging ice conditions.
Interestingly, the rescue coincided with the 50th anniversary of the U.S. Coast Guard vessel Polar Star. Commander Samuel Blaze, the vessel’s executive director, remarked on its legacy as one of the most capable non-nuclear icebreakers still in operation.
The Polar Star, based in Seattle, is the only large active icebreaker in the U.S. and has been on missions to McMurdo Station since 1976, breaking through ice that can reach thicknesses of up to 21 feet during operations like Operation Deep Freeze.
