What Was the First Cruise Ship to Sink in the Antarctic Ocean in 2007?

By Anna Duncan

The MS Explorer was the first cruise ship to sink in the Antarctic Ocean in 2007. Built in Sweden in 1969, The MS Explorer was the first purpose-built passenger ship designed for Antarctic exploration. It was owned and operated by the Switzerland-based tour operator GAP Adventures and had a crew of 54 and passengers from around the world onboard.

On November 23, 2007, while sailing through the Antarctic Ocean near King George Island, the MS Explorer struck submerged ice and began taking on water. The crew quickly worked to evacuate all of the passengers onto lifeboats but unfortunately, no one was able to save the ship. Within two hours of striking the submerged ice, the MS Explorer had sunk and gone below Antarctic waters.

The sinking of The MS Explorer marked an important milestone in maritime history as it was not only the first cruise ship to sink in Antarctica but also the first passenger vessel to sink since Arctic explorer Ernest Shackleton’s ill-fated expedition almost 100 years prior.

The sinking was also notable for being one of very few recorded incidents where all passengers and crew were safely rescued with no casualties or injuries reported. This is largely credited to both GAP Adventure’s safety protocols and procedures as well as a quick response from nearby vessels such as cargo ships and research vessels who responded to distress signals from The MS Explorer after it had struck submerged ice.

Since its sinking, The MS Explorer has become a symbol for maritime safety and a reminder that even with today’s modern navigation systems, small vessels are still at risk when sailing through icy waters such as those found around Antarctica.

In conclusion, The MS Explorer is remembered as being a pioneer in Antarctic exploration as well as being an important reminder that even with today’s modern navigation technology, small vessels can still be at risk when sailing through icy waters such as those found around Antarctica. It is also remembered for its successful evacuation of all passengers and crew without any casualties or injuries reported.