Coast Guard Frees 400 Passengers Trapped in Antarctic Ice

The Scenic Eclipse II found itself stuck in Antarctica's Ross Sea on Saturday, surrounded by thick pack ice it couldn't break through on its own. With 228 guests and 176 crew members aboard, the captain reached out for help late Friday night.

Enter the USCGC Polar Star, a 50-year-old icebreaker that happens to be the world's most capable non-nuclear vessel of its kind. Based in Seattle, this powerful ship is America's only active heavy icebreaker, and it was already nearby conducting its annual Antarctic mission.

Footage from a Coast Guard member shows the Polar Star methodically breaking apart thick ice as it approached the stranded cruise ship about eight miles from McMurdo Sound. The icebreaker made multiple close passes through the surrounding ice to loosen the frozen pack, essentially carving a path to freedom.

Once freed, the Coast Guard escorted the cruise ship several miles to open water to make sure it could safely continue its journey. No injuries were reported, and passengers were back on their way to continue their Antarctic adventure.

The cruise line emphasized that while they requested assistance to avoid a longer sailing period at reduced speed, the ship was never in distress. Passengers even celebrated the memorable moment with champagne on the Observation Deck as they watched the rescue unfold.

The Bright Side

This rescue happened on the exact day the Polar Star celebrated its 50th year of commissioned service. Talk about a birthday present worth celebrating.

The vessel, commissioned in 1976, is powered by multiple high-output engines that give it the strength to break through Antarctic ice up to 21 feet thick. Commander Samuel Blase, the ship's executive officer, noted with pride that at half a century old, Polar Star remains unmatched in its capabilities.

Captain James Griffiths of Scenic Group praised the professionalism and cooperation of the Polar Star crew. The coordination between both vessels ensured safe navigation through the changing pack ice, turning what could have been a stressful situation into a smooth operation.

The Polar Star conducts annual missions to McMurdo Station in Antarctica as part of Operation Deep Freeze, breaking through miles of thick ice to support scientific research. This time, it added an unexpected passenger rescue to its 50th birthday celebrations.