| Quark tragedy

QUARK Expeditions’ chartered vessel World Explorer has cut short an Antarctic voyage after a tragic accident during a Zodiac excursion which saw two passengers killed.

The incident took place on 15 Nov, near Cape Lookout on Elephant Island, with Quark confirming a Zodiac carrying six passengers and two expedition staff overturned near the shore, tragically resulting in two fatalities.

The weather conditions saw light winds and a smooth sea, with indications the accident was caused by a breaking wave.

World Explorer has returned to Ushuaia, with Quark saying its priority is to support the next of kin as well as passengers and crew while further investigations are undertaken.

Quark says it is cooperating fully with relevant authorities.