Cruise ship runs aground in Antarctica

Last Updated: Fri, 5 Dec 2008 13:49:00 +1100

An Argentine registered cruise ship with 122 passengers on board has run aground on the coast of Antarctica.

Argentinian officials say the 89 passengers, including 11 Australians, and the 33 crew on the Argentine-registered ship, Ciudad de Ushuaia, are not in danger and the ship isn't at risk of sinking.

They say the vessel ran aground in Wilhelmina Bay, part of a peninsula that reaches towards the southern tip of South America.

A Chilean ship is expected to reach the cruise ship in several hours to pick up the passengers.

Other ships in the area have been put on standby to provide assistance if it becomes necessary.

The head of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators Steve Wellmeier says it's not clear what caused the accident.

"We don't see it as indicative of any trend in tourism," he said.

"So we look at the track record and look at this for what it is - an accident, an unfortunate accident.

"Fortunately, everyone is safe at the present time and it look's like they'll remain that way."

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