With Antarctic ice continually on the move, keeping skippers on their toes, Scenic Eclipse II found itself in a tight spot while manoeuvring through first-year pack ice near McMurdo Sound.
The US keep a year-round base there, and as luck would have it, their icebreaker USCG Polar Star was on hand to assist.
Reports from the ship state that Scenic Eclipse II was never in danger and no emergency was declared or "rescue" sought, merely assistance. Scenic has issued a statement assuring us that all is well.
“On January 17, 2026, Scenic Eclipse II was on a voyage in the Ross Sea near McMurdo Sound. Due to changes in the pack ice, progress was slower than planned, and the Captain requested assistance from the nearby vessel USCG Polar Star to clear the area together and avoid a longer sailing period at reduced speed. The following day, the natural movement of the ice had opened up again, and conditions had normalized. For our guests, the operation became a memorable highlight; champagne was served on the Observation Deck to view a unique shared experience in East Antarctica,” the company said in a statement.
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| File image of USCG Polar Star |
Captain James Griffiths, Scenic Group’s General Manager Ocean Operations, said: “We were grateful for the professionalism and cooperation of the crew of USCG Polar Star during our operations in the Ross Sea. While Scenic Eclipse II was never in need of rescue services, the coordination between both vessels ensured we could navigate the changing pack ice safely and efficiently. This is a great example of the practical, respectful co-operation that exists in the polar regions, where safety, seamanship, and shared responsibility always come first.”
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