Tragic Incident: MS Explorer Sinks After Ice Collision in Bransfield Strait Near King George Island

The MS Explorer, a vessel built in 1969 and formerly operated by G Adventures, sank in the Bransfield Strait near King George Island after colliding with dense Antarctic ice. The incident occurred during a 19-day Antarctic expedition when the ship struck the ice at approximately 22:45 local time. The captain, misjudging the ice conditions, mistook the dense multi-year Antarctic ice for thinner Baltic pack ice and proceeded at speed. Despite efforts to patch the hull, flooding became uncontrollable, leading to the decision to abandon ship.

All 154 passengers and crew were evacuated safely by the nearby MS Nordnorge, operated by Hurtigruten, within hours of the distress call. They were subsequently taken to Georgia Island and flown by the Chilean Air Force to Punta Arenas. The Explorer sank about 20 hours after the collision in waters approximately 1,100 meters deep.

Environmental concerns arose due to the release of around 185,000 liters of diesel, 24,000 liters of lubricants, and 1,200 liters of gasoline into the ocean, creating an oil sheen over nearly one square mile. The Chilean Navy responded along with multinational clean-up efforts, although only limited methods were viable due to the remote location and sensitive ecosystem.

An investigation by Liberian Maritime Affairs in April 2009 determined that the ship’s master was primarily at fault for underestimating the ice and failing to reduce speed during poor visibility conditions. Although the captain and crew were commended for their organized evacuation efforts, it was noted that they lacked specific training related to Antarctic ice behavior.

This tragic incident prompted significant changes within the travel and expedition industry, leading to a reassessment of polar navigation standards, improved crew training, stricter ice-navigation protocols, and enhanced evacuation drills to better manage future Antarctic voyages.

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