Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.An American tourist was killed and four other people were injured when a massive wave struck Viking Polaris cruise ship as it sailed in southern Argentina on Tuesday.
“It is with great sadness that we confirmed a guest passed away following the incident,” Viking said in statement released regarding the incident. “We have notified the guest’s family and shared our deepest sympathies.”
It also said the injuries suffered by the other passengers were not life threatening.
The name and hometown of the American woman who died have not yet been released. She was 62 years old.
The cruise ship was heading for the port of Ushuaia, a resort town in the far south of the country, when waves from the storm shattered glass cabin windows. The ship itself sustained only limited damage, and arrived in Ushuaia the following day. A federal court in Argentina has opened an investigation into the incident.
Viking said the traumatic incident was caused a “rogue wave”, described by scientists as an abnormally large wave that does not necessarily correspond with prevailing wind patterns.
The Viking Polaris ship was, according to the company’s materials, custom built to handle the kind of weather associated with Antarctic crusies. It is one of two ships the company has for exploring remote regions, with the Viking Polaris equipped to host up to 378 passengers and 256 crew members.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments