MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Maltese cruise retained in Ushuaia for security reasons

Cruise 'Lyubov Orlova'

The Maltese flagged cruise vessel “Lyubov Orlova” has been retained in Ushuaia and banned from continuing to Antarctica until it complies with the International Maritime Organization security and safety rules, according to local Argentine authorities.

Ushuaia in the extreme south of Argentina is considered the access gate to Antarctica and is empowered to check on all vessels entering the port ensuring they abide international maritime norms and agreements. "Lyubov Orlova" with a crew of 56 arrived last November 2 and is currently anchored in the bay of Ushuaia until it completes with the list of sailing conditions following on instructions from IMO. The Argentine Coast Guard is responsible for checking conditions and implementing the necessary measures. Conditions refer not only to navigation safety and security standards, and the vessels' technical performance, but prevention measures in the event of possible contamination situations and the required capabilities from the crew in the different tasks they address. The purpose is to protect human lives in the high seas and to preserve the marine environment. This 2008/09 cruise season all vessels operating in the port of Ushuaia are subject to such inspections said the local Argentine Coast Guard station.