The joint command of the Danish military in the Arctic announced today that a cruise ship carrying 206 people ran aground in a remote area of Greenland and has been unable to return to sailing directly. The command stated in a statement that the luxury cruise ship Ocean Explorer ran aground on Monday in Alfjord Bay within a national park, approximately 1,400 kilometers northeast of Nuuk, the capital of Greenland.
It was noted that there have been no reports of injuries so far and there is no threat to the lives of passengers or the environment. Brian Janssen, the operations officer in the command, said during a press conference, "It is certainly concerning to have a cruise ship in trouble in the national park. The nearest place for help is far away, and our units are also distant, and the weather may be unfavorable." He added, "But in this specific situation, we do not see any direct risk to the lives of individuals or the environment, which is reassuring."
The command indicated that the nearest unit is located about 1,200 nautical miles from the grounded ship, meaning it may reach the site by Friday morning local time at the earliest. They also mentioned that they have asked a nearby cruise ship to remain in the area to assist if the situation changes.
