MV Polar Star Passengers Safely Disembark in Ushuaia

Company Cancels Balance of Antarctic Season

The MV Polar Star – along with the 70 passengers that were transferred to other IAATO vessels in the South Shetland Islands last week – safely returned to Ushuaia, Argentina February 6. The transfer of passenger followed an incident on January 31 in which the outer hull of the MV Polar Star was breached.

Polar Star Expeditions reports that all its passengers disembarked Sunday morning from the MV Marina Svetaeva, the MV Ushuaia and the MS Expedition, and were assisted by company personnel in arranging their home-bound journeys. The MV Polar Star, which returned with no difficulties and with its full complement of crew and expedition staff aboard, is currently in Ushuaia. According to Company President Martin Karlsen, an assessment of the damage by a team of divers, the Polar Star Expeditions’ marine superintendent and DNV officials has resulted in the cancellation of the balance of the Antarctic season. The ship will proceed to dry
dock for permanent repair.

Karlsen added that he greatly regrets the cancellation of the three remaining voyages and the disappointment of travelers who had planned to join these expeditions to Antarctica. Once repairs are completed and approved, the MV Polar Star is expected to resume its normal schedule starting May 3, 2011 with the Islands of the Edge program, cruising the UK, Ireland and Scotland.

Karlsen again thanked the other IAATO operators involved, as well as the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centers (MRCCs) in Chile and Argentina, for their cooperation and good communications throughout the process.
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Source: International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators