Two expedition vessels experienced a collision in Ushuaia, Argentina, earlier this week amid challenging weather conditions. According to a report by El Diario del Fin del Mundo, the incident occurred on January 6, 2025, involving the World Voyager and the Viking Octantis.
The collision was triggered by a powerful gust of wind reaching 40 knots, which caused the Atlas Ocean Voyages’ World Voyager to break loose from its moorings. At the time, Ushuaia was experiencing sustained winds of around 30 knots, just shy of the 32-knot threshold that typically necessitates port closure.
As the World Voyager drifted, it collided with the Viking Octantis, which was docked securely nearby. Eyewitness footage released by Ushuaia 24 Noticias captured the moment of impact. Fortunately, the crew on both ships executed emergency maneuvers that helped mitigate the potential for more severe damage.
Following the incident, initial inspections revealed that while the Viking Octantis incurred minor damage to one of its external decks, the World Voyager developed a crack in its bow. However, further technical evaluations confirmed both vessels remained structurally sound, allowing them to proceed with their scheduled voyages.
As a result, both ships resumed their planned expedition cruises to Antarctica. The Viking Octantis is currently conducting an 11-night expedition that includes a traverse of the Drake Passage, before embarking on explorations of the Antarctic Peninsula. Given the dynamic weather conditions in the region, the specific destinations along the cruise will be determined as the journey progresses.
The Viking Octantis, weighing in at 30,000 tons, debuted as the first expedition vessel in Viking’s fleet in 2021. Meanwhile, the World Voyager is showcasing Atlas Ocean’s “Antarctic Discovery Cruise,” which involves four days dedicated to exploring the Antarctic Peninsula, alongside a ten-night itinerary that also crosses the Drake Passage and visits the South Shetland Islands. The vessel was constructed in 2020 at the West Sea Shipyard in Portugal and accommodates 200 guests, making it a part of Mystic’s Explorer series.
These expeditions not only continue despite the recent incident, but they also offer travelers a unique opportunity to experience the breathtaking beauty of Antarctica, underlining the resilience and preparedness of the cruise industry amid unpredictable weather challenges.