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Ponant cruise cut short as Le Soléal propeller damaged in Chile

FILE PHOTO: Ponant
Le Soleal was carrying 222 passengers, who will be repatriated. No injures were reported
Ponant's Le Soléal grounded on Wednesday while transiting Kirke Passage in the Chilean fjords, causing damage to one propeller but no injuries. The ship was under control of a local pilot at the time.

Le Soléal was able to proceed, unaided, to Puerto Natales, where it is currently moored.

The ship did not take on water and was described as 'stable.' However, the propeller will need to be replaced and further damage assessment made so the cruise that began Nov. 7 is ending, and the 222 passengers will be repatriated.

Nov. 20 cruise canceled

The Nov. 20 departure from Ushuaia, Argentina, is canceled, and Ponant said it will be contacting passengers within 48 hourse to offer 'alternatives along with goodwill gestures.'

As of Wednesday afternoon, a shipyard to carry out the propeller replacement and any other needed repairs had not been identified.

Nov. 30 cruise still scheduled

At this time, Ponant said Le Soléal will be back in service for the Nov. 30 departure.