Engine Failure Disrupts Antarctic Cruise on Swan Hellenic's SH Diana: Incident on 29 November 2024

On 29 November 2024, Swan Hellenic's expedition ship SH Diana experienced an engine malfunction during a 20-night repositioning cruise from Cape Town, South Africa to Ushuaia, Argentina. The technical issue forced the cancellation of all planned Antarctic landings, including visits to Elephant Island, Paulet Island, Brown Bluff, and Deception Island. The vessel proceeded directly to Ushuaia, where it arrived on 30 November 2024.

Swan Hellenic has offered affected passengers a 50% refund or 65% future cruise credit, along with complimentary excursions in Ushuaia. The operator has confirmed that all future Antarctic sailings aboard SH Diana will proceed as scheduled following repairs completed in Ushuaia.

The SH Diana, a relatively new vessel built in 2023, suffered a malfunction in one of its electric motors. This technical failure reduced the ship's speed and necessitated the cancellation of all planned Antarctic landings. The vessel proceeded directly to its final destination of Ushuaia without further delay.

Fatalities

• None reported.

Injuries

• None reported.

Rescued

• No evacuation required; all passengers and crew remained onboard and proceeded safely to Ushuaia.

Swan Hellenic is offering affected passengers a 50% refund or a 65% future cruise credit, along with complimentary excursions in Ushuaia during the extended stay. However, some passengers have expressed dissatisfaction with the compensation offered, with a group staging a hunger strike in demand of full refunds.

The SH Diana has completed repairs in Ushuaia. Swan Hellenic has confirmed that all future Antarctic sailings aboard SH Diana will proceed as scheduled following the completion of maintenance work.