Authorities in Denmark said late on Wednesday (13 September) attempts by a research ship failed to help refloat the vessel had been unsuccessful, despite the high tide. 

“Unfortunately, the attempt was unsuccessful, which is why the situation is still so that Ocean Explorer is grounded in the Alpefjord,” said the Joint Arctic Command. 

The ship, which has 206 guests and crew onboard, became stranded in a fjord in the Northeast Greenland National Park on Tuesday (12 September), around 950 miles east of Greenland’s capital Nuuk.

“The crew and passengers are in a difficult situation, but after the circumstances, the atmosphere on the ship is good,” the Joint Arctic Command added.

The reports were confirmed by the ship’s operator, AE Expeditions, which said the three Covid patients were being attended by the ship’s onboard doctor, medical team and crew, adding they were "doing well".

All other passengers, expedition team and crew remain safe and healthy,” the company added. “We are actively engaged in efforts to free the MV Ocean Explorer from its grounding. Our foremost commitment is to ensure the vessel’s recovery without compromising safety.”