Ocean Explorer - aground in Greenland

 A small cruise ship that called in Halifax on April 29 has run aground on the northeast coast of Greenland. The ship found a rocky ledge on Monday September 11 and although in no immediate danger, it is unable to free itself from its perch and the nearest help is a ship 1200 nautical miles away.

The unusual looking ship was built by China Merchants (Jiangsu) in 2021 using the patented Ulstein X-bow, to improve sea keeping. At 8228 gt it is very small by cruise ship standards and is rated for a maximum 170 passengers in eighty cabins, and 70 crew.  At the time of grounding it reported a total of 206 people aboard, but only 134 of which were passengers.

It will take some time for assistance to arrive. Depending on weather, it may be Friday. The Danish authorities, who are responsible for Search and Rescue in Greenland waters have asked if Iceland can assist. The site of the grounding, in Alpefjord, is about midway between the northern and southern tips of Greenland, on the east coast, to the north of Iceland and well inland in the deeply indented coast.

Updates will follow on a new post.

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