THE Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry (LISCR), the US-based manager of the Liberian Registry, has confirmed that it has started an immediate investigation into the incident which led to approximately 100 passengers being safely evacuated from the passenger vessel Explorer after it reportedly struck ice near the South Shetland Islands in the Atlantic Ocean on November 23.

Scott Bergeron, Chief Operating Officer of LISCR, says, “The Liberian Registry is mounting a thorough investigation into the circumstances and cause of the Explorer accident. As always, we are co-operating fully with all interested parties and we will seek to determine the relevant facts and root cause of the incident prior to issuing a report. Captain Robert Ford, the Registry’s most experienced investigator, is heading up the investigation.

“In the meantime, the UK Maritime Accident Investigation Bureau has expressed an interest in participating in our investigation, given that a number of UK passengers were on board the vessel at the time of the incident. The Liberian Registry appreciates its interest, has responded positively to the request, and has begun working co-operatively with the MAIB.”

The Explorer has been registered with Liberia since 1989, and underwent a full inspection in October, 2007. The vessel’s Safety Managers are in contact with Registry personnel and are co-operating fully.

Vessel Particulars Include:

IMO No: 6924959

Official No: 8495

Call Sign: ELJD8

Registered Owner:

G.A.P. SHIPPING CO. LIMITED of Barbados

Built: NYSTAD, FINLAND, 1969

Class Society: Det Norske Veritas

Hull Material: Steel

Length: 64.89m Breadth: 14m

Gross Tons: 2,398 Net Tons: 773

Deadweight Tonnage: 645