In November 2007, the 1969-built MS Explorer (IMO 6924959), once operated by G Adventures, met its fate in the Bransfield Strait near King George Island (Antarctica) after striking dense Antarctic pack ice.
All people onboard (91 passengers, 9 tour guides, and 54 crew) were safely evacuated before the vessel foundered and sank in the Southern Ocean.
During a 19-day Antarctic expedition, at approximately 22:45 local time, the ship collided with ice. The Master (Captain Bengt Wiman) had mistaken thick multi-year Antarctic ice for thinner pack ice and proceeded at speed, unaware of the hazardous conditions. Although attempts to patch the hull were made, flooding became uncontrollable and the decision to abandon ship was taken.
A nearby vessel, Hurtigruten's MS Nordnorge, swiftly responded to the distress call, rescuing all aboard within several hours. Subsequently, evacuees were taken to Georgia Island before being flown by the Chilean Air Force to Punta Arenas.
MS Explorer sank some 20 hours after the initial collision in waters approximately 1,100 m deep.
Environmental concerns centred on the release of roughly 185,000 litres of diesel, 24,000 litres of lubricants, and 1,200 litres of gasoline as the ship submerged. A visible oil sheen spanning nearly one square mile was detected, prompting intervention by the Chilean Navy and multi-national clean-up efforts.
Due to the remote location and sensitive ecosystem, only limited clean-up methods were employed — a stark reminder of the risks that polar maritime accidents pose.
A Liberian Maritime Affairs investigation released in April 2009 placed responsibility squarely on the ship’s Master. He had underestimated the nature of the ice and failed to reduce speed at night when visibility was poor. Despite his Baltic experience, he lacked specific knowledge of Antarctic ice behaviour. His error of judgment, compounded by navigating in darkness without reducing speed, was determined to be the critical factor in the sinking.
The report also noted shortcomings in securing the voyage data recorder and questioned whether excursion staff had adequate maritime training. Still, the Captain and crew received commendation for executing a well‑ordered evacuation that undoubtedly saved lives.
This tragedy spurred the travel and expedition industry to reassess polar navigation standards, lifesaving protocols and environmental preparedness. Enhanced crew training, stricter ice‑navigation measures and improved evacuation drills have since been introduced to better manage the harsh unpredictability of Antarctic voyages.