Luxury cruise ship stranded in remote Greenland, nearly 100 Aussies onboard await rescue
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Here at the SDC, we're enthusiasts for a good holiday story. Whether it's an exotic overseas trip or a luxurious cruise, the idea of embarking on a journey and setting sail into the horizon for some well-deserved rest and relaxation is undeniably alluring.
Regrettably, what was supposed to be a dreamboat excursion turned into an absolute nightmare for the 206 people aboard the prestigious 104-meter-long MV Ocean Explorer.
This incident happened during a visit to a remote location in Greenland known as Alpefjord National Park. It was there that the massive ocean liner ran aground on a sandbank, leaving passengers and crew members feeling truly stranded—quite literally, in this case.
Of those 206 affected individuals, a significant number, 90 to be exact, were Australian. This unforeseen turn of events has transformed their once-distant holiday into a far more stressful experience than any of them could have anticipated.
As reported in a statement by the Danish military's Joint Arctic Command (JAC), 'A cruise ship in trouble in the national park is obviously a worry. The tide that came in during the day, local time, did not provide the desired help to sail on.'
The Sydney-based cruise operator Aurora Expeditions also issued a statement, saying: 'There is no immediate danger to our passengers, the vessel, or the surrounding environment. We are actively involved in efforts to free the MV Ocean Explorer from its grounding.'
'Our foremost commitment is to ensure the vessel’s recovery without compromising safety.'
While the ship's owner and crew are doing everything possible to free the vessel from the sandbank, the nearest rescue vessel is still days away. Fortunately, photos taken by a Danish Air Force plane show the Ocean Explorer sitting upright in calm waters with the sun shining.
Understandably, the passengers may be experiencing a great sense of dread and discomfort as they await the ship's eventual rescue.
To make matters worse, those on board have been battling sickness, with COVID-19 cases rising among the passengers.
Despite these challenges, some people aboard have managed to maintain a surprisingly positive outlook.
Among the passengers stranded aboard the ship are retired Sydney couple Steven Fraser and Gina Hill. They've observed that the ship's restaurant is still open, and passengers are keeping busy with talks and activities while they enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding glaciers.
'Everyone's in good spirits,' Fraser said.
'It's a little bit frustrating, but we are in a beautiful part of the world. We're sitting right near the glacier when we open our window.'
Despite Fraser's mention that the crew is doing their best to free the boat, the predicaments faced by the stranded passengers in one of the world's most remote areas serve as a valuable lesson in the importance of exercising caution and being more aware of their surroundings while on holiday.
We understand that, for many members of SDC, holidays are a serious matter, and the prospect of kicking back and relaxing is something you eagerly anticipate.
However, if you're planning your ocean-bound getaway, it's wise to err on the side of caution and conduct thorough research before making any bookings. Additionally, being well-prepared for any unforeseen circumstances is essential.
We sincerely hope the passengers can be rescued soon, and we see their experience as a valuable reminder for all of us about the importance of meticulous planning.
Members, what are your thoughts on this story? Have any of you had the chance to experience a cruise firsthand? If so, how did it go? We welcome you to share your experiences with us in the comments below!
Regrettably, what was supposed to be a dreamboat excursion turned into an absolute nightmare for the 206 people aboard the prestigious 104-meter-long MV Ocean Explorer.
This incident happened during a visit to a remote location in Greenland known as Alpefjord National Park. It was there that the massive ocean liner ran aground on a sandbank, leaving passengers and crew members feeling truly stranded—quite literally, in this case.
Of those 206 affected individuals, a significant number, 90 to be exact, were Australian. This unforeseen turn of events has transformed their once-distant holiday into a far more stressful experience than any of them could have anticipated.
More than 200 passengers onboard a luxury cruise liner have been left stranded in the Arctic after their ship ran aground. Credit: Facebook/Joint Arctic Command.
As reported in a statement by the Danish military's Joint Arctic Command (JAC), 'A cruise ship in trouble in the national park is obviously a worry. The tide that came in during the day, local time, did not provide the desired help to sail on.'
The Sydney-based cruise operator Aurora Expeditions also issued a statement, saying: 'There is no immediate danger to our passengers, the vessel, or the surrounding environment. We are actively involved in efforts to free the MV Ocean Explorer from its grounding.'
'Our foremost commitment is to ensure the vessel’s recovery without compromising safety.'
While the ship's owner and crew are doing everything possible to free the vessel from the sandbank, the nearest rescue vessel is still days away. Fortunately, photos taken by a Danish Air Force plane show the Ocean Explorer sitting upright in calm waters with the sun shining.
Understandably, the passengers may be experiencing a great sense of dread and discomfort as they await the ship's eventual rescue.
To make matters worse, those on board have been battling sickness, with COVID-19 cases rising among the passengers.
Despite these challenges, some people aboard have managed to maintain a surprisingly positive outlook.
Among the passengers stranded aboard the ship are retired Sydney couple Steven Fraser and Gina Hill. They've observed that the ship's restaurant is still open, and passengers are keeping busy with talks and activities while they enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding glaciers.
'Everyone's in good spirits,' Fraser said.
'It's a little bit frustrating, but we are in a beautiful part of the world. We're sitting right near the glacier when we open our window.'
Despite Fraser's mention that the crew is doing their best to free the boat, the predicaments faced by the stranded passengers in one of the world's most remote areas serve as a valuable lesson in the importance of exercising caution and being more aware of their surroundings while on holiday.
We understand that, for many members of SDC, holidays are a serious matter, and the prospect of kicking back and relaxing is something you eagerly anticipate.
However, if you're planning your ocean-bound getaway, it's wise to err on the side of caution and conduct thorough research before making any bookings. Additionally, being well-prepared for any unforeseen circumstances is essential.
We sincerely hope the passengers can be rescued soon, and we see their experience as a valuable reminder for all of us about the importance of meticulous planning.
Members, what are your thoughts on this story? Have any of you had the chance to experience a cruise firsthand? If so, how did it go? We welcome you to share your experiences with us in the comments below!
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