More than two weeks after the ship M/S Explorer sank in Bransfield Strait off the coast of Antarctica, experts are questioning the official explanation of why the vessel sank.
Accidents can always happen but the target is to minimize impacts and advance contingency plans for such situations in the framework of the Antarctic Treaty, said Chile's Dr. Alvaro Sapag, chairman of the Chilean Environment Commission during a meeting on the Antarctic environment held in Punta Arenas.
Scientists from Chile's Center of Scientific Studies (CECS), Antarctic Chilean Institute, and Air Force reported last week that Fleming Glacier, located in the Antarctic Peninsula, is showing signs of receding.
An estimated 2.500 penguins in Antarctica are endangered by an oil spill from the sunken cruise vessel Explorer, impeding access to their mating and nesting places. The oil spill is 1.500 meters long by 200, according to experts from the Chilean Antarctic Institute.
Chilean scientists and environmentalists said Wednesday they hope to determine within the next few days the extent of environmental damage resulting from recent the sinking of the cruise ship S/M Explorer.
United States and United Kingdom researchers have stitched together more than 1.000 views of the White Continent to make a stunning new high-definition polar panorama.
They feared they were going to an icy grave - but the survivors of the Antarctic cruise ship sinking were yesterday all glad to be alive.
Argentina is assessing the environmental impact of the wrecked Liberian flagged Canadian cruiser Explorer and will closely monitor events as well as demand stricter conditions for cruise operators in Antarctic waters.
At 18:30 hours Chilean time Zodiac boats belonging to a Norwegian cruise vessel began landing the 154 passengers from the stricken MV Explorer at the Chilean Antarctic base President Frei in King George Island.
A legal and insurance storm of Antarctic proportions could be in the making for the M/V Explorer and its owners if a report in the maritime market news portal Lloyd's List proves to be correct.