COPENHAGEN, Denmark – The luxury cruise ship MV Ocean Explorer, which ran aground in Greenland, has been successfully dislodged after three days. The ship, carrying 206 passengers, was freed by a fisheries research vessel during high tide, as confirmed by the ship's owner, Copenhagen-based SunStone Ships, and the Joint Arctic Command overseeing the operation.
The incident occurred in Alpefjord, located within the Northeast Greenland National Park, the world's northernmost national park. The vast park, predominantly covered by an ice sheet, is situated far from major settlements, with Alpefjord being about 240 kilometers from the nearest settlement, Ittoqqortoormiit.
SunStone Ships reassured in a statement, "There have not been any injuries to anybody onboard, no pollution of the environment, and no breach of the hull.” The cruise ship and its passengers are now en route to a port for damage assessment. Subsequently, arrangements will be made to fly the passengers home. The tour for this trip was organized by Australia-based Aurora Expeditions, which has yet to comment.
The MV Ocean Explorer, flagged in the Bahamas, hosts passengers from various countries, including Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, the UK, and the US. The ship boasts an inverted bow, 77 cabins, and multiple dining options.
In a recent update, Aurora Expeditions disclosed that three passengers onboard tested positive for COVID-19. They are currently in isolation and are being cared for by the ship's medical team.
Steven Fraser, an Australian retiree onboard, shared with The Sydney Morning Herald, "Everyone’s in good spirits. It’s a little bit frustrating, but we are in a beautiful part of the world.” Fraser also mentioned contracting COVID-19 during the voyage.
The ship's next destination is likely Iceland, the nearest location with sizable ports. The Joint Arctic Command's Cmdr. Brian Jensen stated that the ship's condition is under evaluation to determine its seaworthiness.
Greenland's picturesque landscape, dotted with icebergs and glaciers, attracts numerous cruise ships annually. In 2022, Greenland witnessed 400 cruises, with the number increasing to 600 in 2023.
The grounding of the MV Ocean Explorer has prompted the Danish Maritime Authority to request a police investigation in Greenland to ascertain the cause and check for any legal violations. No charges or arrests have been made so far.
The cruise began on September 2 in Kirkenes, Arctic Norway, and was scheduled to conclude in Bergen, Norway, on September 22.
