Falklands : ENDURANCE Stranded in Majellan Straits
Submitted by Falkland Islands News Network (Juanita Brock) 17.12.2008 (Article Archived on 31.12.2008)
Several websites and news agencies are reporting that the British polar vessel, ENDURANCE, is flooded and may have to be towed to Punta Arenas.
Photo (c) Royal Navy - HNS Endurance
ENDURANCE STRANDED IN MAJELLAN STRAITS
HMS ENDURANCE
Photo (c) Royal Navy
By J. Brock (FINN)
Several websites and news agencies are reporting that the British polar vessel, ENDURANCE, is flooded and may have to be towed to Punta Arenas.
The Chilean Navy said on Wednesday it evacuated a 10-person BSES team and film crew from the ship as a precautionary measure because the HMS ENDURANCE lost engine power at the eastern entrance to the Straits of Magellan on the southern tip of South America. They have been set ashore at one of the lighthouses that cover the entrance to the Straits. The crew and civilian contractors, however, are remaining onboard.
The Chilean Tug Boat that normally helps vessels through the narrowest part of the Straits as well as a Norwegian cruise ship have sailed to the vicinity to offer any assistance needed.
According to the MOD the HMS ENDURANCE got stranded after the engine room flooded and the ship dropped its load – lost power.
This is what the MOD said about the incident:
"We can confirm that Royal Navy Antarctic patrol ship HMS ENDURANCE suffered a flood in her engine room which left her without main power and propulsion off the coast of Chile. An investigation is underway into the exact cause of the incident.
"The flooding has now been contained the ship is currently being held in safe water by her anchor in the Strait of Magellan. The Norwegian Sun Cruise liner is nearby and is ready to provide assistance if needed.
"Our top priority is the safety of those onboard. Royal Navy personnel are highly trained in emergency incidents and are well equipped to deal with the situation. The crew recently underwent an intensive period of training prior to deployment.
"A Chilean Navy puma helicopter has already taken 10 civilians off the ship as a precaution. A Chilean Tug and Maritime Patrol Aircraft are also on route to assist if required.
"Next of kin are currently being informed of the situation and a Helpline (08457 800 900) has been set up for concerned relatives to call for further information.
HMS ENDURANCE is a frequent visitor to the Falklands.
Note: This story will be updated as new information comes in.
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