Viking today announced it is canceling the December 5-17 Antarctic Explorer itinerary following an accident on its new Polaris expedition ship that left one passenger dead and three others injured. A giant rogue wave hit Polaris and smashed several windows, as the ship sailed south of Cape Horn, killing the passenger. The ship was headed for Ushuaia to get medical attention for a woman who was injured onboard a zodiac. Sadly, it’s the latest incident in a rough start for the burgeoning Antarctica cruise season, just now launching as spring comes to the polar region.
“It is with great sadness that we confirmed a guest passed away following the incident. We have notified the guest’s family and shared our deepest sympathies. We will continue to offer our full support to the family in the hours and days ahead,” Viking said in a statement.
“Four other guests sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the incident and were treated by the ship’s onboard doctor and medical staff. We are investigating the facts surrounding this incident and will offer our support to the relevant authorities.
“Our focus remains on the safety and well-being of our guests and crew, and we are working directly with them to arrange return travel. At this time, we expect the next scheduled departure to operate as planned; we will notify guests and their travel advisors should any modifications be required.”
Two Americans sailing World Explorer in Antarctica were killed last month when their zodiac overturned.
