A luxury cruise ship carrying hundreds of passengers found itself trapped in thick Antarctic sea ice over the weekend—until the U.S. Coast Guard arrived to carve a path to freedom.
The Scenic Eclipse II, a state-of-the-art expedition cruise vessel, became stuck in pack ice while navigating the Ross Sea near McMurdo Sound late Friday night. With progress stalled and no safe passage in sight, the crew called for assistance. The nearest help? The USCGC Polar Star—America’s only active heavy icebreaker, now marking 50 years in service.
Footage shared by the Coast Guard shows the Polar Star crunching through dense sea ice to reach the stranded ship. The icebreaker made multiple close passes through the area, successfully breaking apart the frozen pack and loosening the grip on the cruise liner.
The Scenic Eclipse II, which carries up to 228 guests and 176 crew, was quickly escorted several miles to open water where it could safely resume its Antarctic voyage. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported and no damage to the vessel.
According to Scenic Group, the cruise line’s parent company, the ship had not been in immediate danger but had requested help to avoid prolonged delays caused by worsening ice conditions. “The following day, the natural movement of the ice had opened up again, and conditions had normalized,” the company stated.
NEW: Trapped cruise ship rescued from thick ice near Antarctica by the United States Coast Guard.
The Scenic Eclipse II, which can hold 228 passengers and 176 crew members, was traveling through the Ross Sea when it got stuck.
Should the Coast Guard continue icebreaking rescue operations in Antarctic waters?The USCGC Polar Star was seen breaking the ice to… pic.twitter.com/pBloCndAcT
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) January 25, 2026
Passengers aboard the Scenic Eclipse II reportedly marked the icy ordeal with champagne on the Observation Deck, turning a potentially tense moment into a memorable experience. Captain James Griffiths praised the coordination with the Coast Guard, calling the Polar Star crew “professional” and “cooperative.”
The rescue coincided with a milestone for the Polar Star—the same day it marked its 50th anniversary as a commissioned vessel. “At 50 years old, Polar Star remains the world’s most capable non-nuclear icebreaker,” said Commander Samuel Blase.
Based in Seattle and powered by high-output engines, the Polar Star routinely conducts missions to McMurdo Station as part of Operation Deep Freeze, capable of smashing through ice over 20 feet thick. This latest mission reaffirmed its legendary status—not just as an icebreaker, but as a lifeline in the world’s most unforgiving waters.
