In a real-life demonstration of the proverb “wet flour in poverty,” a luxurious cruise ship, MV Ocean Explorer, found itself stranded in the remote Arctic. This incident left 206 passengers marooned in the shallow waters of northwestern Greenland, exacerbating the situation further as three passengers tested positive for COVID-19.
Stranded Luxury Cruise
Efforts are underway to rescue the stranded individuals. MV Ocean Explorer, a Norwegian cruise ship measuring 104.4 meters in length and 18 meters in width, currently remains grounded in the Alpefjord within Northeast Greenland National Park, recognized as the world’s largest and northernmost national park, renowned for its icebergs and unique wildlife.
Three Cases Aboard MV Ocean Explorer in Remote Greenland
Travelers hailing from various countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Britain, America, and South Korea, are among those onboard. Aurora Expeditions, the cruise operator, has assured the safety of all passengers and crew members, asserting that there is no risk to the ship or the surrounding environment. Intensive efforts are being made to dislodge MV Ocean Explorer from the ground while ensuring safety.
The exact cause of the grounding remains unknown. The Danish navy’s Arctic Command has been in contact with several cruise liners and maintains constant communication with the coast guard to facilitate emergency assistance if required. The Greenland government is poised to free the ship with the assistance of high tide.
