Stranded cruise ship with 206 passengers await rescue in Greenland Arctic

A cruise ship carrying 206 passengers and crew members has become stranded in northwestern Greenland. Authorities have stated that a rescue operation may not be possible until at least Friday owing to bad weather and distance.

The ship, known as the Ocean Explorer, ran aground on Monday in Alpefjord, which is situated within a national park approximately 1,400 kilometers (870 miles) to the northeast of Greenland’s capital, Nuuk. This information was confirmed by the Danish military’s Joint Arctic Command (JAC).

Commander Brian Jensen, who is in charge of operations at JAC, expressed concern over the situation. He pointed out that having a cruise ship in distress within a national park was worrying. The closest assistance is quite far away, and the weather conditions in the region can be highly unfavorable, he noted.

According to Commander Jensen, the nearest Danish navy vessel is located around 1,200 nautical miles away, equivalent to over 2,000 kilometers or 1,380 miles. Although it is en route to the site, it is not expected to reach the stranded ship until Friday at the earliest.

However, he reassured that there doesn’t appear to be an immediate threat to human life or the environment in this particular situation.

Authorities have been in communication with another cruise ship in the vicinity, asking it to remain nearby in case the situation takes a turn for the worse.

There is a possibility that the grounded cruise ship may become free when the tide rises, as reported by Greenland television station KNR. Nevertheless, the JAC later posted on its Facebook page on Tuesday that the ship remained stuck despite the tide.

Commander Jensen emphasized that the top priority is ensuring the safety of all individuals involved.

A spokesperson from the Australian cruise operator, Aurora Expeditions, confirmed that everyone on board the stranded ship is safe and in good health.