Chilean naval crews are waiting for the high tide today to try to free a cruise ship stranded in Antarctica, after the first attempt to refloat the vessel was unsuccessful.
Attempts to free the MV Ushuaia, which is stuck on the rock, tilted to one side and leaking fuel, proved to be more difficult than first thought.
Eleven Australians were among 120 people on board the ship who had to be evacuated to Argentina after the vessel was damaged when it hit a rock on Thursday.
US-based International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators executive director, Steve Wellmeier, said a Chilean naval tug had inspected the vessel, and sent divers to establish the extent of the damage.
"The propellers and rudders remain undamaged,'' he said in a statement.
"It is understood that only a small amount of leakage has taken place before the flooding seawater sealed the tank.
"An oil spill barrier has been deployed and ... the wind continues to disperse the oil in the direction away from the two closest wildlife sites and towards more open water.''
The ship was due to arrive in Argentina today, so the passengers will either be heading home or continuing with their travel plans.
Attempts to free the MV Ushuaia, which is stuck on the rock, tilted to one side and leaking fuel, proved to be more difficult than first thought.
Eleven Australians were among 120 people on board the ship who had to be evacuated to Argentina after the vessel was damaged when it hit a rock on Thursday.
US-based International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators executive director, Steve Wellmeier, said a Chilean naval tug had inspected the vessel, and sent divers to establish the extent of the damage.
"The propellers and rudders remain undamaged,'' he said in a statement.
"It is understood that only a small amount of leakage has taken place before the flooding seawater sealed the tank.
"An oil spill barrier has been deployed and ... the wind continues to disperse the oil in the direction away from the two closest wildlife sites and towards more open water.''
The ship was due to arrive in Argentina today, so the passengers will either be heading home or continuing with their travel plans.