- Title: ARGENTINA: Damaged Antarctic cruise ship arrives with American tourists
- Date: 11th December 2010
- Summary: USHUAIA, ARGENTINA (DECEMBER 9, 2010) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF CLELIA II ARRIVING IN THE BEAGLE CHANNEL WAVES COAST GUARD DRIVING BOAT AND WATCHING OUT FOR THE CRUISE SHIP WATER SPLASHING AGAINST WINDOW VARIOUS OF SHIP ARRIVING AT PORT AND COAST GUARDS WATCHING BRIDGE OF THE SHIP WITH BROKEN WINDOWS BIRDS VARIOUS OF PASSENGERS ON BOAT, WAVING WORKERS TYING UP THE BOA
- Embargoed: 26th December 2010 12:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Argentina, Argentina
- Country: Argentina
- Topics: International Relations,Disasters / Accidents / Natural catastrophes
- Reuters ID: LVA3GK2QG1BH01PVLWZEESH3D5TO
- Story Text: Damaged Antarctic cruise liner Clelia II docked safely in Ushuaia port on Thursday (December 9), after experiencing turbulent waters including a gigantic wave crash through one of its windows.
The 290-foot ship got caught in a storm on Tuesday (December 7) as it was traveling through the Drake Passage with 165 passengers on board.
Water broke the starboard bridge window, causing electrical problems and cutting the ship's normal communication channels.
Of the 88 American tourists and 77 crew on board, one crew member - a Bulgarian bridge officer - is said to have sustained minor injuries, according to Travel Dynamics International, the ship's New York operating company.
Argentine Coast Guards monitored the ship as it made its way through the Beagle Channel on the approach to the Patagonian port town.
The ship had previously been helped back on course by another Antarctic ship, the National Geographic Explorer, which arrived into Ushuaia earlier on Thursday.
As the ship pulled into the quayside, passengers on the decks appeared in good spirits, waving to the crowds below and laughing among themselves.
One passenger, Ron Swithers, from Seattle, praised the captain's handling of the incident.
"We had 15-metre seas, 45 feet, and it was very difficult, so the ship had to face in the storm. And the captain chose to stay out of the Drake Passage and bring us in safer that way," said Swithers.
An ambulance and medical professionals were waiting at arrival of the ship in case of any problems.
The International Association for Antarctic Tour Operators said improving weather conditions assisted in its safe return, and the vessel was able to resume a normal cruising rate.
Passenger Linda Mates from Florida was in good spirits as she recounted the most dramatic moments of the voyage.
"It would go from side to side. The side-to-side bothered more than the going into them. But it was pretty exciting. I got my money's worth!" said Mates.
Coast Guard and Travel Dynamics International personnel are now inspecting the ship.
Its next scheduled voyage to the Antarctic, which was scheduled to embark on December 8, has been cancelled. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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