NEW YORK — Swan Hellenic has issued a statement following a disruption of its Antarctica sailing onboard the SH Diana.

According to news reports, some passengers onboard the ship were staging a hunger strike to show their displeasure for how Swan Hellenic was handling the situation. The engine failure put a crimp in the itinerary and threatened to upend plans to experience Antarctica.

“Swan Hellenic is pleased to confirm that the technical team organized by Wärtsilä, the maker of SH Diana’s propulsion system, together with the other technical specialists called out to assist in Ushuaia, have diligently completed the repair to one of the ship’s electric propulsion motors and all the related tests,” according to the statement.

“SH Diana consequently sailed early this morning, local time, and then completed a series of final sea trials and a minor adjustment in the Beagle Channel before proceeding less than about 40 hours behind schedule on her first dedicated Antarctic cultural expedition cruise of the 2024-2025 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. SH Diana’s cruise guests will therefore be able to enjoy weather condition permitting all their planned expeditions. 

“The propulsion motor problem was detected while in South Georgia on the 12th day of SH Diana’s 20-night cruise from South Africa to Antarctica, which departed Cape Town on 13 November. 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 mobilized 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.”

Swan Hellenic’s CEO, Andrea Zito, added: “We are pleased that the prompt and efficient coordination 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.”