Cruise vessel runs aground in Antarctica; pax, crew, all safe

Tuesday, February 17th 2009 - 20:00 UTC

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CRUISE vessel M/V Ocean Nova grounded at Marguerite Bay, west of Debenham Island in Antarctica today, Feburay 17, but all onboard are safe. The vessel grounded two kilometers from the Argentine research station San Martin. An initial assessment of damage indicated that there was no imminent danger and no threat to lives.

Weather conditions at the site at the time of the incident report: 40-50 knot winds, moderating in the afternoon, becoming southerly. Patrick Shaw, President of Quark Expedition said, "There is no sign of leakage of any kind from the vessel. No environmental damage is anticipated. As a precaution, Captain Per Gravesen, of M/V Ocean Nova issued a distress signal, which was recognized by the Argentine emergency services. "Currently the situation remains stable and passengers are enjoying the regularly scheduled lecture program. The next high tide will be at 16:00 UTC / 13:00 Local time at which time the ship is expected to be dislodged. Three vessels are en route to assist if required." As of 13:26 UTC 10:26 Local Time Hespedrides (a Spanish naval scientific vessel) was four hours out; Castillo (an Argentine hydrographic vessel) was 12 hours out, and Clipper Adventurer, one of Quark's fleet in the vicinity, was on stand-by. Onboard M/V Ocean Nova are 64 passengers and 41 crew, including ship's staff comprising mainly Americans and Britons. Current information is that all guests onboard Ocean Nova have had an opportunity to communicate with their families, and there is a contingency plan in place should Ocean Nova fail to dislodge itself on the high tid+-e. Divers will inspect the vessel to ensure it is safe, before the vessel sails. If it is determined that the vessel is no longer safe, guests will be transferred to Clipper Adventurer and other IAATO vessels in the area, at which time, guests will be taken to Ushuaia, where arrangements will be made to secure homeward travel for them. The Ocean Nova, Bahamas flagged and formerly the Sarpik Ittuk, was built in 1992 in Denmark to navigate the ice-choked waters off Western Greenland. The ship was significantly refurbished in 2006 to include a glass-enclosed forward observation lounge on the top deck and to offer travelers a more comfortable retreat after days of exploring ashore. She has a gross tonnage of 2.183; 73 meters long, 11 meters beam and 3.7 meters draft. by Lisa Johnson - SeAledPR - Stanley

Categories: Tourism, International.

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