Coast Guard Icebreaker Frees Cruise Ship Trapped in Antarctic Ice

USCGC Polar Star marks 50 years of service by assisting Australian cruise ship Scenic Eclipse II

Feb. 1, 2026 at 8:15pm

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The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star has begun icebreaking operations in support of Operation Deep Freeze 2026 in Antarctica. The 50-year-old icebreaker recently freed and escorted an Australian-owned cruise ship, the Scenic Eclipse II, that had become stuck in pack ice near McMurdo Sound. Polar Star is the nation's only active heavy icebreaker and has played a critical role in supporting scientific research and logistics in the Antarctic for decades.

Why it matters

The Coast Guard's icebreaking operations in Antarctica are essential for enabling scientific research and sustaining U.S. operations in one of the most remote and inhospitable regions on Earth. Polar Star's ability to free a cruise ship trapped in ice demonstrates the cutter's continued value and importance, even after 50 years of service.

The details

The Polar Star crew conducted two close passes to break the Scenic Eclipse II free from the pack ice, then escorted the cruise ship approximately four nautical miles to open water. Polar Star departed Seattle in November for its 29th deployment to Antarctica in support of Operation Deep Freeze, which provides logistical support for the U.S. Antarctic Program managed by the National Science Foundation.

  • The Coast Guard began icebreaking operations in support of Operation Deep Freeze 2026.
  • Polar Star freed the Scenic Eclipse II cruise ship from pack ice near McMurdo Sound.

The players

USCGC Polar Star (WAGB 10)

The U.S. Coast Guard's only active heavy icebreaker, commissioned in 1976 and celebrating 50 years of service supporting Operation Deep Freeze and other polar missions.

Scenic Eclipse II

An Australian-owned cruise ship that became stuck in pack ice and requested assistance from the Polar Star.

National Science Foundation

The U.S. government agency that manages the U.S. Antarctic Program, which relies on Operation Deep Freeze's logistical support.

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What they’re saying

“I am constantly amazed at this crew's tremendous energy and enthusiasm. Despite the many challenges associated with getting and keeping this ship on mission, they remain eternally positive and committed to meeting the high standards we've set for ourselves.”

— Capt. Jeff Rasnake, Commanding Officer, USCGC Polar Star

“At 50 years old, Polar Star remains the world's most capable non-nuclear icebreaker. That's a testament to the crews that have maintained it over the decades. With years of service left to give, Polar Star will continue to guide the way in the high latitudes well into the future.”

— Cmdr. Samuel Blase, Executive Officer, USCGC Polar Star

What’s next

The Polar Star will continue its icebreaking operations in support of Operation Deep Freeze, enabling critical scientific research and logistics in Antarctica.

The takeaway

The Polar Star's 50 years of service in the Antarctic demonstrates the U.S. Coast Guard's enduring commitment to supporting scientific exploration and maintaining a presence in the polar regions, even as the ship faces the challenges of aging infrastructure.