A cruise liner, the Ocean Explorer, with 206 individuals onboard, has found itself stranded in the challenging terrains of Alpefjord, located in Northeast Greenland National Park.
The ship, which ran aground on Monday, has been unable to navigate out of its predicament, as confirmed by Denmark’s Joint Arctic Command (JAC).
Despite the high tide, the ship remains stuck, the JAC reported. However, Aurora Expeditions, the company operating the Ocean Explorer, assured that all passengers are in good health and there’s no immediate threat to them, the ship, or the environment.
In response to the situation, the nearest inspection vessel, the Knud Rasmussen, has been dispatched. It has a journey of approximately 2,222 kilometers ahead and is anticipated to reach the stranded cruise ship by Friday morning, weather permitting.
Arctic Commander Brian Jensen stated, “Upon realizing the Ocean Explorer’s predicament, we immediately dispatched a ship to the location.” He added that an aerial survey would soon be conducted to better understand the situation. Jensen remains hopeful that the ship might re-float during a high tide, but if not, the Knud Rasmussen will step in to assist.
Aurora Expeditions emphasized their dedication to ensuring the vessel’s safe recovery, stating, “Our primary focus is the vessel’s safe retrieval without jeopardizing safety.”
The Ocean Explorer is designed specifically for expeditions to the world’s most isolated locations, as per Aurora Expeditions’ official website. Key authorities, including the Government of Greenland, the Danish Maritime Authority, and the Danish Accident Investigation Board, have been notified about the incident.
Local reports in the news indicated that several individuals on the mentioned ship who tested positive for COVID-19 have been isolated.
The luxury passenger ship Ocean Explorer, carrying over 200 passengers and crew, the majority of whom are Australians, is known to charge more than $33,000 per person for accommodation.
In the area where the ship ran aground, there is no human habitation except for meteorological station personnel and a small unit of Denmark’s Arctic Special Forces.
(AA)
Photo credit: SIRIUS / JOINT ARCTIC COMMAND
