A luxury cruise ship carrying over 200 primarily Australian passengers is currently stranded off the remote northeastern coast of Greenland. The Ocean Explorer became stuck on Monday in the Alpefjord, approximately 870 miles northeast of Greenland's capital, Nuuk. Efforts to free the ship from the muddy seabed have been unsuccessful thus far. Denmark's Arctic Special Forces elite unit, Sirius, has visited the stranded ship and confirmed the safety of all passengers, according to Denmark's military's Joint Arctic Command. Additionally, the coast guard in neighboring Iceland is on standby with a vessel if necessary.
Reports suggest that a couple of passengers on board the ship have tested positive for Covid-19 and are currently isolating. Fortunately, their condition is not serious. However, the Joint Arctic Command has not confirmed this information.
The ship has attempted to float clear using high tide twice, but the strong suction created by the mix of sediment, sand, and silt left by a nearby glacier is holding it in place. The assistance of a nearby fishing ship may be sought during the next tide to aid in the rescue effort.
Another cruise ship in the vicinity of the Ocean Explorer has been instructed by the Joint Arctic Command to remain in the area in case the situation worsens. Additionally, a Danish naval ship has been diverted and is expected to reach the area by Friday morning.
Despite the difficult circumstances, the atmosphere on board the ship is reported to be good, and everyone is said to be in good health, according to the Joint Arctic Command and reports from the Sirius troops. The troops will remain on land in the area, ensuring they can reach the ship within 90 minutes if needed.
The ship is currently stuck offshore Greenland's national park, the largest in the world, which spans 972,000 square kilometers. The area is home to various wildlife, including polar bears, musk oxen, and walrus. With the exception of weather station workers and Denmark's Arctic Special Forces unit, there are no human inhabitants in the park.
Aurora Expeditions, the Sydney-based operator of the ship, has assured that all passengers, crew, and the vessel itself are safe and not in immediate danger. The company specializes in polar trips, offering wildlife viewing experiences, including encounters with polar bears, beluga whales, and walruses.
Greenland, like other Arctic countries, faces challenges in conducting costly rescue operations in remote areas. The number of cruise ships visiting the island has increased by 50% in the past year alone, with a total of 600 ships now making the journey. The Joint Arctic Command has conducted several rescue operations, including medical evacuations, highlighting the growing concern about the logistical obstacles involved in such operations.