Viking, a tour company based in Switzerland, has announced that one person has died and four are injured after a huge wave hit one of its ships in Antarctica. AFP news report the Cruise ship Viking Polaris was hit by waves during a storm on Tuesday. The ship was traveling from Antarctica to Ushuaia in Argentina, the southernmost city in the world.
Viking Polaris suffered minor damage, including some broken windows, and is currently moored in Ushuaia. Viking Polaris is 665 feet long, seven stories are only built this year and can accommodate up to 378 guests. While the ship was relatively fine, unfortunately, the passengers were not. Viking release a statement reads, “We are deeply saddened to confirm that a guest has passed away following the incident. We have informed the guest’s family and share our deepest sympathies. We will continue to offer our utmost support to the family in the hours and days to come.”
According to the US National Oceanic Administration, fake waves have been accepted by scientists as real over the past few decades after centuries of existence as maritime myths. These waves are unpredictable and very dangerouswe. Fake waves can be twice as large as surrounding waves, travel against prevailing winds and look like a wall of water.
Viking has canceled this ship’s next scheduled voyage. The shipping line said it is investigating the incident and will assist the relevant authorities.
