The Ocean Explorer cruise ship is stranded in northwestern Greenland.Photo:SIRIUS/Joint Arctic Command via AP
SIRIUS/Joint Arctic Command via AP
A luxury cruise ship carrying 206 passengers and crew has run aground in Northwestern Greenland.
The Ocean Explorer became stranded near Alpefjord in the Northeast Greenland National Park on Monday, reportedNBC News.
The 375,000 square mile area, which is known for icebergs, is the most northerly national park in the world. No injuries or damage were reported in the incident, according to astatementfrom the Joint Arctic Command’s Facebook page.
In the post on Tuesday, Cmdr. Brian Jensen of the Joint Arctic Command stated: “Our units are far away, and the weather can be very unfavorable.”
The vessel is 343 feet long and 60 feet wide.SIRIUS/Joint Arctic Command via AP
Despite there being no risk to human life or the environment, the incident is being taken “very seriously," Jenson made clear in the Facebook statement.
The Joint Arctic Command also revealed that the ship had so far been unable to free itself despite Tuesday’s tides. Meanwhile,Associated Pressstated Wednesday that a Greenland government-owned fishing vessel will attempt to use a high tide to free the cruise ship. The fishing vessel is expected to arrive later Wednesday.
Jensen added of the rescue attempts: “Regardless, the most important thing for us is that everyone gets to safety.”
The Ocean Explorer ran aground in Alpefjord in Northeast Greenland.SIRIUS/Joint Arctic Command via AP
PerABC News, the ship is 343 feet long and 60 feet wide. The cruise ship is said to belong to Ulstein Group in Ulsteinvik, southern Norway, according to NBC News.
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“We are actively engaged in efforts to free the MV Ocean Explorer from its grounding. Our foremost commitment is to ensure the vessel’s recovery without compromising safety,” Aurora Expeditions, who operate the ship, told AP News.
Capt. Flemming Madsen of the Danish Joint Arctic Command also revealed that passengers on the ship are tourists from the United States, New Zealand, Britain, Australia, and South Korea, the outlet reported.
The Danish Defence and Aurora Expeditions did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
source: people.com
