Rogue Wave Hits Antartica Cruise Ship; Woman Passenger Dies

Photo showing damage to Viking Polaris
Photo showing damage to Viking Polaris
Photo credit: ibtimes.sg

Taking a cruise is supposed to be a fun time, but nature can offer deliver a whammy to even the sturdiest of ships. According to Fox News, the Viking Polaris ( a new ship in the Viking line built in 2022), was hit by a rogue wave during a storm while sailing at the southernmost tip of South America.

The rogue wave apparently hit with such force that it broke cabin windows. Sadly the 62-year old woman was killed by the broken glass likely in her cabin (it does not specify that in the report, but it is a reasonable conclusion) when the wave hit. Other people were injured but not life threatening and were treated aboard ship. There was some damage to the ship as indicated by a recent photo.

“It is with great sadness that we confirmed a guest passed away following the incident,” Viking said in a statement. “We have notified the guest’s family and shared our deepest sympathies.” (Viking statement on death of woman passenger.)

Interviews with some of the passengers indicates that everything was going well until the rogue wave hit. Viking is investigating what happened and has canceled the next scheduled trip until the investigation and repairs are done.