U.S. Coast Guard Icebreaker Rescues Cruise Ship Trapped in Antarctic Sea Ice
MC MURDO SOUND, Antarctica — On January 28, 2026, the U.S. Coast Guard’s venerable icebreaker, the Polar Star, marked its 50th anniversary by executing a daring rescue operation in the treacherous waters of the Antarctic Ross Sea. The expedition cruise ship Scenic Eclipse II had become immobilized in thick sea ice roughly eight miles from McMurdo Sound, prompting a call for assistance late Friday night.
The Scenic Eclipse II, capable of carrying up to 228 guests and 176 crew members, found itself trapped in dense Antarctic ice after failing to break through the frozen pack surrounding it. The U.S. Coast Guard responded swiftly, dispatching the Polar Star, a 50-year-old heavy icebreaker renowned for its capability to navigate polar ice fields.
Footage provided by Coast Guard personnel shows the Polar Star methodically breaking apart the thick ice as it approached the stranded vessel. The icebreaker made multiple close passes through the frozen pack, gradually loosening the ice to free the Scenic Eclipse II. Following the successful extraction, the Coast Guard escorted the cruise ship several miles to open water to ensure the safety of its passengers and crew before it continued its voyage.
No injuries were reported during the rescue operation, which underscores the Coast Guard’s expertise in polar rescue missions. The Polar Star’s mission exemplifies the critical role of the U.S. Coast Guard in maintaining maritime safety in some of the world’s most extreme environments.
The Ross Sea region is known for its unpredictable and often perilous sea ice conditions, which can trap vessels unexpectedly. The Polar Star, commissioned in 1976, is part of the Coast Guard’s fleet of icebreakers tasked with supporting scientific research and ensuring safe navigation in polar waters. More information about the Coast Guard’s icebreaking operations can be found on the U.S. Coast Guard official site.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by cruise ships operating in polar regions, where rapidly changing ice conditions can pose significant hazards. The U.S. Coast Guard’s response aligns with international maritime safety protocols, which emphasize the importance of readiness and rapid assistance in remote and hazardous waters. For further details on maritime safety in polar regions, the International Maritime Organization’s Polar Code provides comprehensive guidelines.
The successful rescue also draws attention to the importance of maintaining and modernizing icebreaking capabilities. The U.S. government has acknowledged this need, as detailed by the Department of Homeland Security’s icebreaker program, which oversees the Coast Guard’s polar fleet.
As climate change continues to affect polar ice dynamics, the demand for capable icebreaking vessels and skilled crews is expected to rise. The Polar Star’s operation serves as a testament to the enduring value of these assets in safeguarding lives and supporting scientific and commercial activities in the Antarctic.
For updates on U.S. Coast Guard operations and polar maritime safety, visit the U.S. Coast Guard homepage.
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