Expedition cruise ship MS Explorer Sinks in Antarctic Waters

#expeditioncruising .

MS Explorer, (IMO: 6924959), a small expedition cruise ship operated by GAP Adventures (now G Adventures), sank in the Bransfield Strait, close to King George Island in the Southern Ocean and near the South Shetland Islands.

It seems the master mistook thick, multi-year Antarctic ice for thinner Baltic pack. A later investigation found he also maintained speed while navigating at night.

On board were 154 passengers and crew members, all of whom were safely evacuated to lifeboats before the ship sank.

The Incident

The MS Explorer, built in 1969 as a research vessel and later converted for passenger cruises, was on a 19-day Antarctic expedition. The incident occurred at approximately 10:45 pm local time when the ship struck pack ice near King George Island, causing significant damage to its hull. Despite efforts to patch up the cracks, the water ingress was too severe, and the decision was made to abandon ship.

Rescue Efforts

Fortunately, the MS Nordnorge, a Norwegian liner, was in the vicinity and responded promptly to the distress call. All passengers and crew members were rescued within 4-5 hours and taken to a Chilean air force base on King George Island.

Environmental Concerns

The sinking of the MS Explorer raised concerns about potential environmental impacts. The vessel carried approximately 185,000 litres of diesel, 24,000 litres of lubricants, and 1,200 litres of gasoline, which posed a risk to the sensitive Antarctic ecosystem. Chilean officials reported a surface oil slick, and authorities deployed an icebreaker to the region to mitigate the damage. A joint clean-up effort was undertaken, with the US authorities alone spending around $2.5 million.

Investigation and Aftermath

An investigation into the incident revealed that unclear visibility due to a heavy snowstorm and the vessel's limited turning radius contributed to the incident. The incident prompted discussions within the cruise industry regarding safety protocols for Antarctic expeditions. GAP Adventures implemented new safety measures, including more stringent standards for lifeboat drills and navigation procedures, as well as increased training for captains and crew members.

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Coral Princess Cruises Goes Tropical to Celebrate 25 Years in 2008

Multi award-winning Coral Princess Cruises, pioneer of small-ship expedition cruising in Australia and the South Pacific, has kicked off its 25-year anniversary celebrations with a new brochure that brings together some of its most remote and exotic cruise destinations: Papua New Guinea and Melanesia.

The new brochure features five different culturally and environmentally sensitive cruises – ranging from 10 to 15 nights – to far-flung reaches of Papua New Guinea and Melanesia including the Solomon Islands, New Caledonia and Vanuatu.

In March, Coral Princess founder Captain Tony Briggs and his wife, Vicki will host the 15-night "Noumea to Cairns" cruise aboard Coral Princess’s purpose-built luxury expedition vessel, 'Oceanic Discoverer' – a far cry from the World War II submarine chaser on which Tony started expedition-style cruising on the Great Barrier Reef in 1984.

The "Noumea to Cairns" cruise - the first of a series of special anniversary cruises for 2008 hosted personally by Tony and Vicki - explores the Melanesian archipelago. Accommodating a maximum of just 72 guests, 'Oceanic Discoverer' explores the spectacular cone volcano that forms Vanuatu’s Ureparapara Island and, at Santa Anna Island, guests are greeted by warriors bearing swords and blowing conch shell horns. And there’s plenty of opportunity to snorkel among pristine coral gardens and large pelagic fish.

'Oceanic Discoverer’s' purpose-built excursion vessel, 'Xplorer', glass bottom coral viewer and fleet of inflatable Zodiacs also allow passengers to intimately explore the reefs and remote islands.

Excursions are guided by naturalists and experts who interpret the natural, cultural and historical highlights of the region. In true expedition style, the itinerary may vary to take maximum advantage of opportunities to view wildlife, go snorkelling or diving, or visit local villages and attractions.

'Oceanic Discoverer' is designed to provide all the comfort and facilities of larger cruise ships, yet is small enough to access remote and pristine sites inaccessible to other ships.

Prices for the 15-night "Noumea to Cairns" cruise start at $10,150 per person, twin share, cruise only, in a Main Deck B stateroom. The voyage departs March 21, 2008. The 10 and 12-night cruises to Papua New Guinea start at $7,500 and depart October 2008 and 2009.

For further information and reservations contact 1800 079 545 or visit www.coralprincess.com.au.