Nordkapp aground in whalers bay, antarctic

[Tomas]

She ran aground around seven aclock this evening, but managed to get ooff herself. No persons where injured, the ship suffered minor damages, but she does not list. There are 294 people onboard and a crew of 76. The ship was on a cruise when it happend.
Will update if something new comes up.
Apparantly the "nordnorge"is on her way, about eight hours sailing away. Dont know why yet.

http://www.vg.no/pub/vgart.hbs?artid=180974

Ghazten

[Charles McAllister]

Probably a precautionary measure, in case the grounding has caused hidden damage.  "Not listing" does not guarantee "no damage at all below the waterline".  In those waters I would welcome another vessel to stand near.  Maybe I'm extra cautious, but I think those waters justify it....?

[Tomas]

Yeah, totally agree, would not liked to be stuck in those waters. The "Nordnorge" is picking up the passengers, and "nordkapp" will go to Argentina to repair. Best regards ghazten

[Stefan Niederer]

Very sad to hear. But I now remember, when we were sailing into the crater of deception island in december 2005 with the Nordnorge, there was not much space left on the port side. And as we cruised thru the crater the nordnorge suddenly made a enormous turn. So I think these waters are really not that good explored.

Stefan

One of my pics:
MS Nordnorge in the crater of Deception Island (Dec/2005)

[Tomas]

Just smart to take security-measures. Read today that she has some holes in her hull. But only the outer hull. She will sail to argentina with escort. The passengers has been transfered to NordNorge now. Best regards ghazten sandefjord Norway :-D

[Glenn Kasner]

on board webcam at http://www.bt.no/kamera/article208141.ece?lang=en

Not showing much except weather conditions

[Jos]

Seems like the accident occured close to the Spanish Base Camp named Gabriel de Castilla. According to Spanish newspaper EL MUNDO people from this Base Camp reported an oil spill from NORDKAPP.
Look at http://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2007/01/31/ciencia/1170259037.html
for text -in Spanish- and pictures.

Cheers,
Jose Luis

[Tomas]

thanx for posting man! Oilspills down there is probably the worst scenario. :-(

[Jos]

According to newspapers:
HMS ENDURANCE on scene.
Spanish Navy tug and research ship LAS PALMAS not allowed to approach the area.

Cheers,
JL

[Stefan Niederer]

Like I said before... Our problem happend at the exact same place. Right in front of the spanish camp. But our captain was fast enough to react. Things fall from the tables, but not more happend. Don't they talk to eachother?
Stefan

[Tomas]

That seems really strange! Allmost idiotic not to have some sort of conversation, when sailing in such difficult waters. Hm...

[Stefan Niederer]

Here's a picture where you can see the location where it happend in nice weather. I marked the interesting locations where we had the problem. You have to zoom in to see it clearly.
Stefan

The crater of Deception Island (Dec/2005)
Sorry, I had to put it Offline. Send me a PM to get it. Thanks.

[Tomas]

Wow, thanx! I would not have nerves to steer her out of there, no way!

[Jos]

Many thanks Stefan. A nice and fine picture.

JL

[Charles McAllister]

Stefan,

Beautiful picture of a beautiful but desolate place!  Thanks for sharing it and giving a better understanding of what happened.

A place to be extra, extra careful.  I would think each line would have special instructions for piloting in such a place.  Very unforgiving bottom and restricted waters.
Too bad oil spilled.  Those waters are so rich.