Expedition Ships Make Contact During Storm in Ushuaia

Two expedition cruise vessels were involved in a minor docking incident at the port of Ushuaia, Argentina, on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, after harsh weather conditions disrupted harbor operations.

The incident involved the Viking Octantis and the World Voyager, which came into contact while severe weather was affecting the port.

Local reports indicate that strong winds caused the World Voyager’s mooring lines to part, allowing the ship to drift away from the quay. The bow of the vessel then struck the stern of the Viking Octantis, which was berthed at an adjacent position.

Following the incident, port authorities and ship crews carried out immediate inspections. Early assessments identified only minor cosmetic damage to both ships, with no structural concerns reported. As a result, scheduled Antarctic expeditions were not disrupted.

Both vessels departed Ushuaia as planned two days later and are currently sailing through the Drake Passage toward Antarctica to continue their respective itineraries.

An investigation into the event is expected to be conducted by the ship operators in coordination with local authorities. World Voyager is owned by Mystic Cruises and commercially operated by Atlas Ocean Voyages, while Viking Octantis is part of Viking Ocean Cruises’ expedition fleet. As part of the inquiry, authorities are expected to examine mooring arrangements and the weather conditions present at the time of the incident.

The Antarctic cruise season is currently in its busiest period, with frequent expedition departures from Ushuaia. Both World Voyager and Viking Octantis primarily serve English-speaking travelers and are key contributors to the region’s expanding expedition cruise market.