AE ship Ocean Explorer freed after running aground in Greenland fjord

The vessel – which was carrying 206 people, three of whom had Covid symptoms – was freed late on Thursday (14 August) by a research ship after multiple failed attempts.

“All onboard are safe and there is no damage to the environment,” said AE Expeditions in a statement.

Ocean Explorer, Danish authorities have said, will now go to a designated port for closer examination.

“We’re really happy that it went so well and that the passengers and crew of the ship can now see an end to the difficult situation they’ve been in for the last few days,” said Joint Arctic Command captain Brian Jensen.

"Regardless that no one was in direct danger, I understand if being stuck in such a deserted area with no possibility to move forward has been uncomfortable.”

Ocean Explorer initially became stranded in a fjord in the Northeast Greenland National Park on Tuesday (12 September), around 950 miles east of Greenland’s capital Nuuk.