UPDATE: The Ocean Explorer was freed from its grounding on Thursday by the Tarajoq vessel, operator Aurora Expeditions said. All passengers on board are safe.
Efforts to free a luxury cruise ship that ran aground in Greenland on Monday were unsuccessful, according to Denmark’s Joint Arctic Command. A total of 206 passengers are currently stranded in Arctic conditions until at least Friday.
The Ocean Explorer, operated by Aurora Expeditions, remains stuck in the Alpefjord in Northeast Greenland National Park. Despite three passengers testing positive for COVID-19, they are in isolation and are said to be “doing well,” while the rest of the passengers, crew, and expedition team are healthy.
The Arctic Command has confirmed that there is no damage to the environment and that all aboard the ship are safe. Various attempts have been made to free the ship, including a failed effort by the Greenland-owned fishing research ship Tarajoq. The next attempt will be made by the Danish navy’s Knud Rasmussen patrol vessel, which is expected to arrive on Friday afternoon.
Aurora Expeditions is actively working to free the ship and has the support of nearby vessels if needed. The Ocean Explorer is currently located in the remote and uninhabited Northeast Greenland National Park, the world’s biggest and northernmost national park. It is home to a population of less than 40 people, along with research and military stations.
SIRIUS/Arctic Command via Facebook
Capt. Brian Jensen of the Arctic Command stated that while the situation is worrisome, there is currently no immediate danger to human life or the environment. The stranded passengers, who come from various countries including Australia, New Zealand, Britain, the United States, and South Korea, are reportedly in good spirits.
This incident highlights the challenges of operating in remote Arctic regions. Greenland, a self-governing territory of Denmark, relies on Denmark for support and defense. However, a majority of Greenland’s adult population, who are predominantly Inuit, support independence.
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