Expedition Cruise Ship runs aground

The 105 passenger Polar Star was damaged yesterday after running aground on an unchartered rock in Antarctica

The vessel weighing in at 4,998-ton has been sailing this region since 2001. She is currently floating free from the rock and there are no reports of injury however a damage assessment has shown the ship’s outer hull was breached according to a statement from the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators.They did confirm however that the inner hull remains intact.

They also noted the ship’s Captain had reassured that there is no apparent oil spill outside the ship but booms have been deployed as a precaution.

The Polar Star struck the rock while anchoring just north of Detaille Island at the Antarctic Peninsula, according to the association. It says 80 passengers are on board the vessel including 32 Americans, 9 Canadians and 8 Australians.

The regions Maritime Rescue Coordination Centres have been alerted and are assessing the situation. Weather reports in the area indicate rain and sleet and temperatures are near freezing.