The firm announced Thursday that an American lady died and four other guests were injured after a “rogue wave” struck a Viking cruise ship cruising toward the southernmost tip of South America on an Antarctic voyage.
The unidentified 62-year-old lady was struck by shattered glass after a wave shattered cabin windows on the Viking Polaris ship during a storm late Tuesday night, according to Argentine officials. The ship sustained minor damage and landed the next day in Ushuaia, which is 2,428 miles south of Buenos Aires.
“It is with great sorrow that we confirm a passenger passed away as a result of the event,” Viking stated in a statement. We have informed the guest’s family and sent our heartfelt condolences.
According to the firm, a doctor and medical professionals onboard the ship treated the four injured guests for non-life-threatening injuries.
Viking said that the ship itself incurred “minimal damage.”
The business stated, “We are examining the circumstances surrounding this occurrence and will give our assistance to the appropriate authorities.” “We continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of our guests and employees, and we are coordinating their return trip directly with them.”
On Thursday, a wave struck the lower windows of the Viking Polaris, causing damage.
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According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, rogue waves, also called as “severe storm waves” by scientists, are bigger than double the size of surrounding waves and frequently originate from directions different than the prevailing wind and waves.
Suzie Gooding, who was on the ship at the time of the event, told WRAL-TV in Raleigh, North Carolina, that the ship felt as if it had struck an iceberg.
“Everything was going well until a rogue wave suddenly struck. “Absurd,” she said. We did not know whether to prepare our equipment for leaving ship.
Viking has announced the cancellation of the Antarctic Explorer’s intended voyage from December 5-17. The Viking Polaris, which was constructed in 2022 and has luxurious amenities, can accommodate 378 guests and 256 crew members.
This article was supplied by the Associated Press.
»American lady dies as ‘rogue wave’ strikes cruise ship in Antarctica«