A luxury cruise ship carrying 206 passengers and crew members has become stranded in the frigid waters of Greenland since Monday after running aground. According to officials, a rescue operation may not be possible until Friday.said
The ship, named the Ocean Explorer and operated by Aurora Expeditions, an Australian-based cruise company, was en route to Alpefjord, a remote area of Greenland. Its destination was the Northeast Greenland National Park, the world’s northernmost national park known for its icebergs, glaciers, and mountains.
The Joint Arctic Command, a division of Denmark’s defense forces, confirmed on Facebook that there were no injuries aboard the Ocean Explorer and no environmental threat. Greenland is a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark.
Efforts to free the ship have proved challenging. A government-owned fishing research vessel attempted to pull the Ocean Explorer during high tide on Wednesday, but was unsuccessful.
Officials stated that alternative measures would be taken. The arrival of a Joint Arctic Command vessel near the grounded ship was expected on Friday evening, but bad weather delayed its arrival. The Arctic Command crew is making every effort to expedite their arrival.
Another option is for the Ocean Explorer to wait for high tide and attempt to free itself. Captain Brian Jensen of the Arctic Command emphasized that they are closely monitoring the situation and treating it with utmost seriousness.
Aurora Expeditions assured that they have secured the assistance of nearby vessels should it be needed.
The company stated, “We are actively engaged in efforts to release the MV Ocean Explorer from its grounding while ensuring safety remains our top priority.”
The Joint Arctic Command also commented that despite the challenging circumstances, the crew and passengers remain in good spirits and in good health.
The reason for the ship’s grounding near Greenland, which has autonomy over its domestic affairs, remains unclear. However, officials have stated that there are no indications of significant damage to the ship’s structure.
Greenland’s coast has become a popular destination for cruise ships, attracting tourists seeking a unique blend of adventure and comfort.
The Ocean Explorer, built in 2021, was specifically designed to venture into the world’s most remote locations, according to Aurora Expeditions’ website.
The ship’s interior design is inspired by Nordic aesthetics and features amenities such as a gym, Jacuzzi, and spacious suites with breathtaking sea views, measuring 640 square feet. The MV Ocean Explorer is depicted in photos floating in the vivid azure waters with frost-capped mountain peaks in the backdrop.
Despite the extreme cold of the region, with temperatures around 2.2 degrees Celsius (36 degrees Fahrenheit) that night, the freezing temperatures do not seem to pose a major concern for the stranded passengers.
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