U.S. Coast Guard Assists Scenic Eclipse II in Antarctic Pack Ice
On January 17, 2026, the U.S. Coast Guard provided assistance to the luxury expedition cruise ship Scenic Eclipse II, which became beset in pack ice during its Antarctic voyage. The ship’s captain contacted the Coast Guard cutter Polar Star, a heavy icebreaker, to request help navigating through the dense sea ice. Although the Scenic Eclipse II has a reinforced hull designed for polar conditions, it is not an icebreaker and is not built to continuously operate in heavy ice.
Polar Star Cuts Channel Through Ice
The Coast Guard released video footage showing the Polar Star cutting a channel through the pack ice. The icebreaker created a navigable path, allowing the Scenic Eclipse II to move free from the ice field. After the channel was opened, the Coast Guard escorted the cruise ship for approximately four nautical miles until it reached open water. Officials noted that without the assistance, the ship’s progress would have been significantly slower due to changing ice conditions.
Scenic Group Says It Was Not a Rescue
Scenic Group clarified that the incident was not a rescue, but rather a coordinated support operation. Capt. James Griffiths, Scenic’s general manager for ocean operations, said the coordination between the two vessels ensured safe navigation through the pack ice. Scenic described the experience as memorable for passengers, noting that they celebrated the event with champagne onboard.
Coast Guard Operation Marked a Milestone
For the Coast Guard, the operation had additional significance because it occurred on the 50th anniversary of the Polar Star’s commissioning. The timing highlighted the continued importance of the vessel and the broader U.S. icebreaking fleet in supporting maritime safety in polar regions.
Icebreaking Role Underlined in Extreme Conditions
The assistance operation underlines the essential role of U.S. icebreakers in maintaining mobility and safety in extreme environments like Antarctica. The Polar Star’s support allowed the Scenic Eclipse II to safely continue its voyage without risking damage or delay caused by pack ice.
Here is the video of the Coast Guard assisting the Scenic Eclipse II:
