Statement 8 - 11.55am Monday 26^th November

Explore, the leading small group adventure company, confirms that an incident occurred on Friday 23^rd November on MS Explorer in the South Shetland area of Antarctica. Reports suggest that the vessel hit some ice, which pierced its hull and the vessel has now been confirmed as having sunk.

Fourteen Explore customers who were travelling on the company's 'Spirit of Shackleton' voyageare part of a group of 154 passengers and crew that were safely evacuated on to life boats and Zodiacs, and then transferred to another cruise ship, M/S Nord Norge.

On Friday night passengers and crew were accommodated on King George Island and arrangements were made for them to be flown to Punta Arenas on the Chilean mainland over the weekend. Flights home from there are currently being scheduled.

All of Explore passengers' requirements such as flights, accommodation and new clothing are being provided for and senior Explore and counselling staff have flown out to support the group.

Gap Adventures, the Canada based operator of M/S Explorer, has confirmed that the ship complied with all relevant safety and operational requirements.

Explore's Managing Director, Ashley Toft, says: "Our focus at this point is, of course, still with our customers. Senior Explore staff will be accompanying the group back to the UK and we'll ensure that they get all the way to their homes as quickly and as comfortably as possible."

Press: For more information, please call Julia Farish or Sue Ockwell at Travel PR on 020 8891 4440 (email j.farish@travelpr.co.uk)