The Coast Guard’s Office of Investigations and Casualty Analysis (CG-INV) recently posted NSIA Report Marine 2023/06 to Marine Casualty Reports (uscg.mil) regarding a marine casualty involving the cruise ship VIKING POLARIS southeast of Cape Horn, Chile, which resulted in multiple injuries to passengers and the loss of one life on Nov. 29, 2022.
The incident occurred as the VIKING POLARIS was returning from a remote expedition to Antarctica. The Coast Guard participated as a Substantially Interested State to NSIA’s investigation because the deceased and injured passengers were U.S. citizens. Under International Maritime Organization protocols, Norway assumed the Lead Investigating State role as the Flag Administration for the VIKING POLARIS. The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board also participated alongside the Coast Guard throughout the investigation in accordance with our Memorandum of Understanding.
As a result of this investigation, the NSIA issued three Safety Recommendations. In addition, the Coast Guard issued two Safety Recommendations. A Commandant’s Final Action Memorandum (FAM) detailing the Coast Guard’s response and actions on the five recommendations was issued on Dec. 28, 2023.
The NSIA Report and FAM can be found at: Marine Casualty Reports (uscg.mil).