Photo by: Petty Officer 2nd Class Christopher Bokum
The U.S. Coast Guard cutter Polar Star freed and escorted a cruise ship trapped in pack ice, marking its 50th year of commissioned service.
The Australian-owned cruise ship Scenic Eclipse II contacted Polar Star at approximately 11 p.m. local time Friday after becoming beset in pack ice, according to U.S. Coast Guard, roughly eight nautical miles from McMurdo Sound.
Polar Star’s crew conducted two close passes to break the vessel free, then escorted it approximately four nautical miles to open water.
The rescue came as Polar Star began icebreaking operations in the Southern Ocean in support of Operation Deep Freeze 2026, a mission that provides logistical support for the U.S. Antarctic Program managed by the National Science Foundation.
The mission includes strategic and tactical airlift, airdrop, aeromedical evacuation, search and rescue, sealift, seaport access, bulk fuel supply, cargo handling, and other transportation requirements.
Polar Star departed Seattle in November for its 29th deployment to Antarctica in support of Operation Deep Freeze.
Photo by: Petty Officer 2nd Class Christopher Bokum
The operation includes breaking a navigable channel through miles of dense Antarctic ice to allow fuel and cargo deliveries essential for sustaining research stations and operations.
Commissioned on January 17, 1976, Polar Star has executed missions ranging from Antarctic resupply and search and rescue to environmental protection and national defense.
“At 50 years old, Polar Star remains the world’s most capable non-nuclear icebreaker,” said Cmdr. Samuel Blase, Polar Star’s executive officer. “That’s a testament to the crews that have maintained it over the decades. With years of service left to give, Polar Star will continue to guide the way in the high latitudes well into the future.”
Video credit: Petty officer 2nd class Christopher Bokum / U.S. coast guard pacific area
