Overview
- The Australian-operated Scenic Eclipse II contacted the U.S. Coast Guard late Jan. 17 local time after becoming beset in pack ice roughly eight nautical miles from McMurdo Sound.
- Polar Star encircled the vessel twice to break the surrounding ice and then escorted it about four nautical miles to open water.
- The Coast Guard reported no injuries, and the cruise ship continued its voyage after the escort.
- Scenic Group said shifting pack ice slowed progress and the captain requested assistance, describing the action as coordinated support rather than a rescue.
- Polar Star is the United States’ only active heavy icebreaker and supports the U.S. Antarctic Program through annual Operation Deep Freeze deployments.