A British naval vessel freed a Norwegian cruise liner from Antarctic ice, the Royal Navy said in a statement. Fram, the 12,647 gross ton expedition cruise liner of Hurtigruten, had been following the patrol ship HMS Protector through the gaps in the pack ice when she was surrounded by a number of fast moving floes.

 “HMS Protector immediately turned back to help, approaching the Fram from astern and breaking up the ice – which was up to four metres thick,” the Navy said. Taking just over two hours at speeds of just two knots, the Fram was eventually released and led to safety.

Commanding Officer of HMS Protector, Captain Peter Sparkes, said: “This is what we do in the Ice Patrol Ship, we are the Royal Navy’s equivalent of a Swiss Army Knife – red, versatile and always there when you need us. Protector’s ship’s company are highly trained and well equipped to deal with a spectrum of operations in Antarctica. That we are able to do so, so readily, is a clear demonstration of the Royal Navy’s global reach and operational preparedness.”

Sub Lieutenant Rowland Stacey of the Royal Canadian Navy, currently on exchange with Royal Navy and serving with HMS Protector, said: “This was an extremely impressive feat - operations in ice can be very challenging, but HMS Protector made it look easy. I am delighted to be a part of this team.”