Canadian cruise ship sinks in the Antarctic Ocean

More than one hundred people have managed to escape from a sinking cruise ship in the Antarctic Ocean. The Canadian ship, called The Explorer, hit submerged ice off the coast of the South Shetland Islands.

One hundred passengers and 54 crew took to lifeboats as the boat began to sink. 

British and Argentine coast guards rushed to the scene in a joint rescue operation.

No injuries have been reported and everybody on the ship is accounted for. 

Acting Head of Rescue Operations at the British Coastguard, David Jardine-Smith, told Russia Today that a small ship called The Explorer had been taking in water and had developed a severe list.

“It has evacuated the passengers and the majority of the crew into the lifeboats,” Jardine-Smith said.

He also said five vessels were sent to join the rescue effort.