TORONTO — The U.S. Coast Guard came to the rescue recently when an expedition cruise ship encountered heavy pack ice during a voyage in Antarctica. 

As reported by USA Today, Scenic Eclipse II became temporarily stuck in ice on Jan. 17 while navigating the Ross Sea, prompting the vessel to request assistance from the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star. The ship was located approximately eight nautical miles from McMurdo Sound at the time.

In a Jan. 23 statement, the Coast Guard confirmed that “Polar Star’s crew conducted two close passes to break the vessel free, then escorted it approximately four nautical miles to open water.”

Scenic Group told USA Today that shifting ice conditions in the area had slowed the ship’s progress. The captain called for assistance to “clear the area together and avoid a longer sailing period at reduced speed,” noting that the vessel was not in distress.

During the operation, guests aboard Scenic Eclipse II were able to observe the ice-breaking manoeuvres from the ship’s Observation Deck, where champagne was served. Scenic Group said conditions returned to normal by the following day and the itinerary continued as planned.

Scenic Eclipse II departed Hobart, Tasmania, on Jan. 6, according to CruiseMapper. The expedition is scheduled to conclude in Dunedin, New Zealand, on Jan. 29.