Swan Hellenic ship SH Diana returned to service with a 40 hour delay to the start of its Antarctic schedule after engine repairs in Ushuaia, Argentina.
The 192-passenger capacity ship had suffered a fault with one of its electric motors, forcing the cancellation of calls in Antartica while on a repositioning sailing from South Africa.
Some passengers staged a hunger strike on board in protest over the company’s compensation offer, even though Swan Hellenic insisted this was “significantly higher” than the legal requirement.
The propulsion motor problem was detected while in South Georgia on the 12th day of a 20-night itinerary from South Africa to Antarctica, which departed Cape Town on November 13.
Swan Hellenic said: “For obvious safety reasons, Captain Svein-Rune Stromnes promptly decided to curtail the voyage and proceed immediately to the closest safe port, Ushuaia, which was also the cruise’s port of arrival.
“Spare parts were sourced and technicians mobilised in record time despite the logistical challenges of the remote location, enabling the repair work to start immediately when SH Diana docked in port on 1 December.”
SH Diana sailed early on Thursday morning local time and then completed a series of final sea trials and an unspecified “minor adjustment” in the Beagle Channel.
The ship then proceeded less than about 40 hours behind schedule on its first dedicated Antarctic cultural expedition cruise of the 2024-25 season.
“Given the ample margin always built into the schedules of Swan Hellenic’s Antarctic cruises to allow for weather and other disruptions, the company is certain that this delay will not lead to reduction in the time scheduled for exploring the Antarctic Peninsula,” the line said in a statement.
Chief executive Andrea Zito said: “We are pleased that the prompt and efficient co-ordination of all parties involved on board and ashore enabled SH Diana to depart for Antarctica with less than about 40 hours’ delay.
“We have as always been attentive to our cruise guests during this time, arranging special excursions of Ushuaia and experiences aboard, which have been greatly appreciated. We now wish them exceptional explorations of the White Continent.”