Cruise ship sinking raises concern over tourism boom in the Antarctic

PUNTA ARENAS, Chile — A cruise ship takes on water in the Antarctic and three more come quickly to the rescue: A blessing for the survivors, to be sure. But also an indication of a tourism boom that critics say threatens Antarctica's environment and puts passengers at risk.

The 154 passengers and crew of the MS Explorer were all plucked safely from life rafts this weekend by a Norwegian cruise ship as their own vessel slid into the icy seas.

Tourism in the world's southernmost continent has spiked in popularity, but there is little regulation of the lucrative industry. Now giant cruise ships have begun to arrive, and some experts fear catastrophic accidents and environmental damage.

"Under the environmental protocol of the Antarctic Treaty Secretariat, the whole of Antarctica is supposed to be a reserve," said Jim Barnes, executive director of The Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition. "It's supposed to be dedicated to science and to protect the wilderness and the environment."

In the 1992-93 season, about 6,700 tourists visited the Antarctic, according to the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators. Last season, that had quadrupled to 29,500.

Seven countries have made territorial claims in Antarctica, but nobody recognizes them. In some cases, countries claim the same piece of the continent. So it's rarely clear what authority is in charge.

The Antarctic Treaty was signed in 1959 with the aim of preventing military incursions in Antarctica. Its members meet each year and adopt recommendations, but there is no single authority to enforce them.

This has left the Antarctic tourism industry largely self-regulated.

The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators was founded by seven companies with the goal of promoting "safe and environmentally responsible" travel. The group now has 99 members, but there are tour groups working outside the association which may not follow its safety and environmental guidelines.

"Because of management principles that (the association) has put in place, we've managed environmental impact," said Denise Landau, the association's executive director. "The concern is that companies outside the membership are not playing with the rest of the operators."

Toronto-based G.A.P. Adventures, the owner of the Explorer, is an association member. Passengers paid as much as $14,000 for a suite on board the vessel during the 19-day cruise.