Clelia II Cruise Ship Slammed By Wave

December 9, 2010-According to reports the Clelia II was hit by a wave on the Antarctic cruise.

According to the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators in a statement said a wave struck the Clelia II on Tuesday in heavy seas and 55 mile per hour winds. The ship was in the South Shetland Islands approximately 500 miles from Ushuaia, according to the Argentine Navy when it was struck by the wave.

The wave caused breaking of a bridge window and causing electrical malfunctions that temporarily knocked out communications. The wave also affected engine performance of the ship.

There was one crewmember that sustained minor injuries, though the statement said no passengers were injured when the wave struck the ship.

There were 88 American passengers aboard the ship and 77 crewmembers. It was stated that there were no passengers injured.

The ship was aided by the National Geographic Explorer that accompanied it for most of the day Wednesday and helped to restore its communications.

According to the ship’s operator it was heading safely to its scheduled port call Wednesday at the port of Ushuaia in the extreme south of Argentina at normal speed.
The ship departed from Ushuaia on November 30th and was scheduled to return on Wednesday.