THIS is the incredible moment a stranded 200-passenger luxury cruise ship was rescued by a US icebreaker in Antarctica.
The footage shows the Polar Star, the US military’s only active heavy icebreaker, saving the Arctic liner by cutting a path for the frozen ship.
It took two laps around the 551-foot vessel, cutting through the ice floes with ease.
The Scenic Eclipse II raised the alarm at around 11pm local time on Friday after it became stuck in an ice floe in the Ross Sea – about 800 miles from the South Pole.
Guests were treated to champagne and led aboard to watch the 50-year-old US Coast Guard vessel sail into action.
The 114-suite cruise ship, carrying 200 guests and an equal number of crew, was freed and escorted for four hours to open water, This was reported by Cruise Industry News.
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The passengers were on a 23-day voyage from Hobart, Tasmania, Australia to Dunedin, New Zealand.
The trip called at the Balleny Islands and Ross Island in Antarctica en route.
The Scenic Eclipse II – a class 6 polar vessel – is well adapted to arctic conditions.
But due to packaging changes during the day, the boat was heavier than expected.
To avoid a longer journey, the captain asked for help in reducing the ship’s speed, but this left the ship vulnerable to the rapidly forming ice.
The natural movement of the ice changed the next day and the ship could continue as usual.
Captain James Griffiths, Scenic Group’s General Manager of Ocean Operations, said: “ We were grateful for the professionalism and cooperation of the USCG Polar Star crew during our operations in the Ross Sea.
“While the Scenic Eclipse II never needed emergency services, the coordination between the two vessels ensured that we were able to navigate the changing ice safely and efficiently.
“This is a great example of the practical, respectful cooperation that exists in the polar regions, where safety, seamanship and shared responsibility always come first.”
The US Coast Guard (USCG) heavy icebreaker Polar Star reached the milestone of 50 years of service this month.
Measuring 399 feet long by 34 feet wide and weighing 13,500 tons, USCG data says it is capable of breaking through solid ice up to 21 feet thick.
This monstrous vessel remains the most powerful non-nuclear icebreaker in the world.
Launched in January 1976, the North Star has already exceeded its expected lifespan by nearly two decades.
His latest rescue mission marks the 29th deployment to Antarctica.
Commander Samuel Blase, executive officer of Polar Star, said: “At 50 years old, Polar Star remains the most capable non-nuclear icebreaker in the world.
“That’s a testament to the crews that have maintained it for decades.”
“With years of service left to hand, Polar Star will continue to lead the way at high latitudes deep into future.”
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