Two Antarctic expedition cruise ships were involved in a collision at the Port of Ushuaia on January 6, 2026, after extreme weather cfonditions caused one of the vessels to break free from its mooring lines.
Video footage of the incident was shared on Instagram by the account quetepasatdf. The video appears to show World Voyager, an expedition vessel operated by Atlas Ocean Voyages, breaking free from its mooring lines during a severe storm. The expedition ship can be seen making contact with the aft of Viking Octantis, which was docked nearby.
The Instagram reel, posted approximately 11 hours before publication, shows the moment the vessel drifted uncontrollably along the pier before making contact with the Viking ship.
The video’s caption describes intense wind conditions and confirms material damage to both ships, though no injuries were reported. The caption, which has been translated from Spanish, reads:
“During Monday afternoon, in the midst of a storm with wind gusts reaching up to 100 km/h, the expedition ship World Voyager broke free from its moorings in the port of Ushuaia, struck the dock, and then collided with the cruise ship Viking Octantis.
No injuries were reported, but both vessels sustained material damage. The incident is under investigation to determine the causes and responsibilities related to the failure of the mooring system.”
Viking Octantis and World Voyager are both currently operating Antarctic expedition voyages during the Southern Hemisphere summer season.
Currently, World Voyager is sailing a 10-night Antarctic cruise departing from and returning to Ushuaia. The itinerary includes a crossing of the Drake Passage, visits to the South Shetland Islands, and exploration along the Antarctic Peninsula before returning to Ushuaia.
Similarly, Viking Octantis is operating a longer cruise-and-land expedition that began in Buenos Aires, Argentina, with flights connecting guests to Ushuaia.
The 12-night itinerary includes seven nights exploring the Antarctic Peninsula, a crossing of the Drake Passage, and a scheduled call at Cape Horn, Chile, before returning to Ushuaia.
Why World Voyager broke loose from its moorings
Local reports and eyewitness accounts indicate that unusually strong winds caused the World Voyager to lose its mooring lines. After drifting along the pier, the vessel first made contact with port infrastructure before impacting Viking Octantis, which was stationary at the dock.
Cruise tracking data later showed both ships departing Ushuaia, suggesting the damage was not severe enough to prevent sailing. However, the full extent of the damage has not been publicly disclosed.
Port authorities have reportedly opened an investigation to determine whether the failure was due to weather conditions alone or issues with the mooring system.
Ushuaia is often referred to as the “End of the World,” and is one of the busiest departure points for Antarctic expeditions during the Southern Hemisphere summer. The port regularly handles multiple expedition ships simultaneously, often under challenging weather conditions known for sudden wind shifts and powerful storms.
According to data from CruiseMapper, both Viking Octantis and the expedition vessel World Voyager were later shown sailing out of Ushuaia following the incident. The tracking site indicated normal outbound movement for both vessels, suggesting the collision did not result in damage severe enough to immediately cancel or delay their scheduled departures.
About Viking Octantis
Viking Octantis is one of Viking’s newest purpose-built expedition vessels, launched in 2022 as part of the cruise line’s strategic expansion into polar and remote-region cruising.
Designed specifically for Arctic and Antarctic operations, the ship carries approximately 378 guests and features an ice-strengthened hull built to Polar Class standards. The vessel is equipped with advanced navigation, propulsion, and safety systems tailored for extreme environments.
In addition, Viking Octantis is equipped with a fleet of Zodiac landing craft, kayaks, and specialized expedition equipment that allows guests to access remote landing sites under the guidance of trained expedition teams.
Along with its expedition capabilities, the vessel reflects Viking’s signature upscale design and amenities. Public spaces include multiple dining venues, a Nordic-inspired spa and thermal suite, lecture halls, and lounges designed for wildlife viewing and scientific presentations.
The ship also features onboard laboratories and research facilities, which supports Viking’s partnerships with scientific institutions and enabling guests to participate in citizen science initiatives during voyages.
About World Voyager
World Voyager is a modern expedition cruise ship for Atlas Ocean Voyages designed specifically for polar and remote-region voyages. Also built in 2022, the vessel features an ice-strengthened hull and advanced stabilization systems, allowing it to operate in challenging environments such as Antarctica and the Arctic.
The ship accommodates approximately 200 guests and is equipped with Zodiac landing craft, expedition gear storage areas, and lecture spaces used for onboard enrichment and scientific programming.
World Voyager operates a variety of expedition-style itineraries, with a strong focus on Antarctic sailings departing from Ushuaia during the Southern Hemisphere summer season.
However, Atlas Ocean Voyages came under fire in 2025 after some passengers publicly criticized a high-end Antarctic expedition. The upset passengers said the voyage did not meet expectations due to constant itinerary changes, limited landings on the continent, and constant communication issues.
