Ocean Explorer, a cruise ship with 206 passengers and crew onboard, has run aground in a remote area of Greenland, leading to a potentially lengthy wait for rescue.
On Monday, the Ocean Explorer encountered trouble in Alpefjord, a dramatic and rugged region within Northeast Greenland National Park. Despite efforts, the ship has been unable to free itself from its precarious position. Denmark’s Joint Arctic Command (JAC) issued a statement explaining that the tide, which arrived during the day, did not provide the necessary assistance for the ship to maneuver.
Fortunately, there have been no reported injuries, and the grounding does not pose a risk to the environment.
«The crew and passengers find themselves in a challenging situation, yet given the circumstances, an air of positivity pervades the vessel,» stated the Joint Arctic Command in its release, citing feedback from the Sirius troops.
Following the incident, the closest inspection vessel available, the Knud Rasmussen, was dispatched to provide assistance. However, this endeavor entails a journey of approximately 1,200 nautical miles (approximately 2,222 kilometers) to reach the stranded cruise ship.
Weather conditions play a crucial role in determining when the Knud Rasmussen will arrive at the scene. As of now, it is anticipated to reach the Ocean Explorer by Friday morning, local time.
Arctic Commander Brian Jensen expressed the command's commitment to ensuring everyone's safety, stating that the ship could potentially re-float during high tide. If this fails, the Knud Rasmussen will step in to assist.
The Ocean Explorer is currently operated by Aurora Expeditions, an Australian-owned company