WWF demands tough cruise regulations

Conservation organisation World Wildlife Fund has ­demanded tough regulations to govern cruise operators in the “last wilderness” of Antarctica.

WWF head of marine ­programme Simon Walmsley said more effort should be made to ensure ships and passengers act responsibly. The number of sailings in the region should also be restricted, he said.

 

 

The Explorer incident, in which 154 people were forced to evacuate after the ship hit an iceberg, was a wake-up call for the industry. Chile has already sent a navy icebreaker to disperse a diesel oil slick caused by the wreck.

 

 

Walmsley said:  “Explorer should have been able to cope with this sort of weather and it sunk – it raises the question if we should be there in the first place.

 

 

“The ship sunk in deep ­waters, which could limit the damage from pollution. But even a small amount of oil ­getting to the coast would be bad for bird life.”

 

 

The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators said the fuel used by Explorer could be expected to disperse without any affect on the environment. However it admitted oil, plastics and other pollutants could have an effect.

 

 

At World Travel Market ­earlier this month, ecologist Dr Shaun Russell blasted the Antarctic cruise industry for allowing passengers to trample fragile vegetation and disturb animal and bird life.