U.S. Policy on Antarctic Tourism

The United States followed with concern the accidental sinking of the Canadian-operated passenger vessel MS Explorer in Antarctica on Friday, November 23. We are relieved that all passengers and crew (including 14 Americans) survived the incident and express our gratitude to those whose efforts brought them to safety.

This unfortunate incident has unfolded against the backdrop of significant increases in Antarctic tourism in recent years. The United States regulates about half of the tourist expeditions to Antarctica each year, and tourism is a major focus of U.S. Antarctic diplomacy. At the 2007 Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting, participating States adopted stronger steps proposed by the United States to protect the Antarctic environment from impacts related to tourism. The Explorer incident further points out the need for nations to work together to ensure that tourist expeditions are as safe as possible.

The Department of State is working closely with the U.S. Coast Guard and other relevant federal agencies to advance the goal of safe and environmentally sound tourism in both polar regions.