Nirweguan Cruise Ship Runs Aground in Antaractic
The M/S Nordkapp got off the rocks under its own steam and sought shelter in a nearby harbor, where it was awaiting the arrival later Wednesday of another Norwegian Coastal Voyage ship, the M/S Nordnorge, the cruise operator said.
The company said no one was hurt in Tuesday's mishap in the Southern Ocean and the Nordkapp was not in danger.
"The ship is now at anchor in Walker Bay, and is being met by M/S Nordnorge," said Hanne K. Kristiansen, a spokeswoman for Norwegian Coastal Voyage.
The 294 passengers were to be transferred to the sister ship using tenders from the two ships, small boats usually reserved for excursions. The Nordnorge would then take the passengers on to Argentina.
Kristiansen said she did not know how long it would take because they were waiting for strong winds to ease up late in the day.
"For the passengers' comfort, we will wait," Kristiansen said. She said all the passengers had signed up for an expedition, rather than a standard cruise, and frequently used boats for landings and foot treks.
"We are having a fine time. In fact, it is very nice," Norwegian passenger Terje Johansen told The Associated Press from the Nordkapp.
He said passengers initially were nervous when the ship ran aground, but quickly understood that there was no danger.
"There is a little bit of waves, so they are waiting with the transfer. Right now, I'm in my cabin trying to get a little sleep," he said by ship's telephone.
The 404-foot Nordkapp, built in 1996, and the virtually identical Nordnorge cruise the Antarctic during the southern hemisphere summer. They sail off the coast of Norway during the European summer.
The company said the ship was on its way back to Argentina when it ran aground near Deception Island, which is part of the South Shetland archipelago.
The statement said a British warship was also meeting the Nordkapp, and would send down divers to inspect the damage to its hull and then escort the ship to port in Argentina.
As soon as the tourists are aboard the Nordnorge, it will depart for Ushuaia, Argentina, a roughly 40-hour trip.