Stranded cruise ship passengers await Antarctic rescue
Five Irish passengers on board an Antarctic cruise ship trapped in ice were tonight preparing to be evacuated to safety.
The MV Ocean Nova, carrying 65 passengers and 41 crew, ran aground near an Argentine base on Antarctica at around 3am (Irish time) yesterday.
US-based Quark Expeditions, which operates the cruise, said there was no imminent danger or threat to lives.
The Argentine Navy said tonight attempts to release the cruise ship had been unsuccessful and it was planning to evacuate the passengers.
They will be taken to Ushuaia, Argentina’s southernmost city.
The Department of Foreign Affairs said it had been contacted by the Irish embassy in Argentina in relation to the incident, and added it was monitoring the situation.
However, a spokeswoman said no-one either on board the vessel or a family member in Ireland had requested any consular assistance.
The Argentine Navy said there was no loss of fuel or electricity onboard and there were “no risks” for passengers and crew.
The Ocean Nova was built in 1992 to sail in icy waters around Greenland.
Its ice-strengthened hull was “excellent” for polar expeditions, operator Quark Expeditions said.
Patrick Shaw, company president, said: “I have been in contact with the ship and the passengers are enjoying themselves as best they can.
“They had a good night’s sleep and are making the most of the spectacular scenery. There are absolutely no problems with the ship, there are no holes, no leaks.”
