Cruise ship Scenic Eclipse II trapped in thick Antarctica ice is freed by Coast Guard
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A cruise ship sailing near Antarctica got stuck in thick sea ice on Saturday.
Scenic Eclipse II became stuck while sailing in the Ross Sea. The U.S. Coast Guard said in a press release that it requested assistance because it was unable to break through the surrounding ice floes.
In the footage shared by a Coast Guard member, USCGC Polar Star is seen breaking through thick ice as it approaches the grounded ship.
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After reaching the ship’s location, the Coast Guard icebreaker made multiple close passes through the surrounding ice to loosen the frozen mass.
The Coast Guard said it contacted the icebreaker late Friday night after the Scenic Eclipse II became stranded about eight miles from McMurdo Sound.
A cruise ship became stranded in thick sea ice in Antarctica’s Ross Sea on Saturday and requested assistance from the US Coast Guard. (SWNS)
After his release, the cruise ship was escorted several miles out to sea to ensure he could continue his voyage safely.
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The Scenic Eclipse II can carry 228 guests and 176 crew members with reduced passenger capacity during Antarctic voyages, according to the cruise line’s website.
The Coast Guard arrived to assist the Scenic Eclipse II, which became stuck approximately eight miles from McMurdo Sound. (SWNS)
The Coast Guard said no injuries were reported and the ship was able to continue its journey.
Scenic Group told Fox News Digital: “Progress was slower than planned due to changes in the ice pack, and the captain requested assistance from the nearby ship USCG Polar Star to clear the area together and avoid a longer period of navigation at low speed. The next day the natural movement of the ice was turned on again and conditions returned to normal.”
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The cruise line said the moment when champagne was served on the Observation Deck was unforgettable.
“We are grateful for the professionalism and cooperation of the USCG Polar Star crew during our operations in the Ross Sea. Although Scenic Eclipse II never required rescue services, coordination between both ships ensured we were able to navigate the shifting ice packs safely and efficiently,” said Captain James Griffiths, Scenic Group’s general manager of ocean operations.
The rescue marked a milestone for the Coast Guard ship, which celebrated 50 years since its commissioning on the same day it assisted the cruise ship.
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“At 50 years old, Polar Star remains the world’s most capable non-nuclear icebreaker,” said Commander Samuel Blase, Polar Star’s executive officer.
The aid arrived on the same day the Coast Guard ship celebrated its 50th anniversary in service, the Coast Guard said. (SWNS)
Polar Star, based in Seattle, is the United States’ only active heavy icebreaker, according to the Coast Guard.
The ship, which entered service in 1976, is powered by multiple high-output engines that provide the ability to break through miles of thick Antarctic ice.
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Polar Star conducts annual missions to McMurdo Station in Antarctica as part of Operation Deep Freeze, breaking up miles of ice that can be up to 21 feet thick, the Coast Guard said.
