Cruise Ship Grounded in Remote Greenland Fjord: Rescue Mission Underway
A cruise ship carrying tourists from various countries has run aground in a remote Greenland fjord, prompting a rescue mission to free the stranded vessel. The MV Ocean Explorer, operated by Australian company Aurora Expeditions, became stuck in Alpefjord in the Northeast Greenland National Park earlier this week. The ship measures 104.4 meters long and 18 meters wide, and is currently located approximately 240 kilometers away from the closest settlement, Ittoqqortoormiit.
Efforts are underway to salvage the ship, with a scientific fishing vessel owned by the Greenland government scheduled to arrive and attempt a rescue operation in conjunction with high tide. The location of the incident is within the largest and northernmost national park in the world, known for its immense icebergs and roaming musk oxen.
According to Aurora Expeditions, all passengers and crew onboard the MV Ocean Explorer are safe and there is no immediate risk to themselves, the vessel, or the surrounding environment. The priority is now to ensure the safe recovery of the ship without compromising anyone’s safety.
Currently, the passengers onboard the stranded ship are a mix of tourists from Australia, New Zealand, Britain, the United States, and South Korea. Despite the difficulty of the situation, the atmosphere on the ship is described as good, and there are no indications of serious damage caused by the grounding.
The Joint Arctic Command, responsible for maintaining Danish sovereignty in the Arctic region, has been actively involved in the operation. They have dispatched members of the Sirius Dog Sled Patrol, a Danish naval unit, to visit the passengers and provide reassurance. The location of the incident is quite isolated, with the nearest settlement, Ittoqqortoormiit, nearly 1,400 kilometers away from the Greenland capital, Nuuk.
Additional ships in the vicinity of the grounded cruise liner could offer assistance if necessary. The Sirius Dog Sled Patrol can also reach the accident site within an hour and a half if required. The Danish navy ship Knud Rasmussen is currently en route and expected to arrive at the scene on Friday to support the rescue efforts.
The MV Ocean Explorer has made two unsuccessful attempts to float free during high tide. It is hoped that the collaborative efforts of the Greenland government’s fishing vessel and the upcoming high tide will finally free the ship from its grounding.
Greenland, a semi-independent territory within the Danish realm, attracts dozens of cruise ships each year due to its breathtaking natural beauty. Tourists have the opportunity to witness picturesque landscapes, including mountainous terrains, stunning fjords filled with icebergs, and glaciers extending into the sea.
The situation in Alpefjord serves as a reminder of the challenges that can arise when exploring remote and untamed regions such as Greenland. However, with the ongoing rescue mission and the dedication of those involved, the hope is that the stranded cruise ship will soon be able to continue its journey safely.
