Ocean Victory accidents and incidents

09 November 2024Structural and Technical Issues

(CruiseMapper-emailed report from a passenger who wished to remain anonymous/received December 3, 2024)

Structural and technical issues, November 9th, 2024

Exactly one year after an earlier incident, the Ocean Victory sustained damage to its stabilizer system from an unknown source. This led to slight water ingress into the vessel's void spaces. It returned to Ushuaia and headed to Valparaiso drydock for repairs, canceling multiple voyages to Antarctica.

According to the letter sent to all passengers of the current voyage, the damage was sustained during the early hours of November 9th, while the ship was off South Georgia Island (UK's South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands) in the South Atlantic.

The relevant authorities were informed, and the company received regular reports from the Captain.

No injuries among the passengers or crew were reported.

09 November 2023Structural and Technical Issues

(CruiseMapper emailed report from Anonymous - Ocean Failure whatsapp group)

Ship: Ocean Victory (operated by Albatros Expedition)

Voyage: Falkland Island, South Georgia and Antarctica (19 days itinerary)

Departure date: November 1, 2023, out of Ushuaia Argentina (roundtrip)

Arrival (scheduled) November 19, 2023, in Ushuaia Argentina.

During its voyage to South Georgia, the Ocean Victory experienced a medical emergency on board. A passenger required immediate medical assistance, prompting the captain to make the decision to alter the ship's course and return to the Falkland Islands (November 6th). When the passenger was offboard, the ship continued its journey to South Georgia again (November 8th).

The Ocean Victory was on its way to South Georgia when on November 9th, at approximately 06:20 UTC, while navigating between Falkland Island and South Georgia (AIS location at 06.42 UTC: -51.62201, -52.40315), the Ocean Victory encountered 'rogue' waves, resulting in significant damage.

According to AIS data, the Ocean Victory was sailing at a speed of about 10 knots [19 kph/12 mph] with a course of 110 degrees. Waves were about 5 meters [16 ft] in height, with a period of about 9 seconds coming from the south (180 degrees).

The rogue waves caused damage to 4 stateroom windows and doors to the balcony on deck 4, located on the starboard side. This damage led to the flooding of these rooms, with water levels reaching approximately 30 centimeters (12 inches). No injuries.

Additionally, a water-tight door situated on deck 3 sustained damage, compromising its ability to maintain a watertight seal. Albatros Expeditions was aware of some issues with the ship, and passengers complained about leakages days before this incident.

The captain made the decision to return to Ushuaia for repairs and further evaluation since this was not possible at open sea. The vessel arrived in Ushuaia on November 12th instead of the scheduled date of November 19th.

Passengers did not visit South Georgia and Antarctica at all.

Albatros Expeditions offered a 56% refund (the remaining days from the damage up to scheduled returning to Ushuaia.