6am and it’s time to try to anchor in Paamiut.
Small problem with the plan. While in Nuuk the last two days, ice has continued moving. Normally ice flows down the east side of the country (#1), continues clockwise to the south tip then hits warmer water where it melts.
However, this summer, water is colder than normal. Ice is continuing its clockwise movement and flows miles wide have moved to the west side (#2). Our port today is at #3.
Two days ago you can see in with the green arrows, the channel is clear of all ice. There does happen to be ice in lower channels (red arrows). Also, notice the ocean to the west of Paamiut is open and clear of ice.
Two days later, the ice flow has choked out the channel and the open sea.
To his credit the captain did attempt to drive us through the ocean ice. However, after seeing the ice close immediately behind us and understanding he still had seven miles to traverse, he had to quit. The ship quickly used the propellers to grind ice and get us free.
Last year this exact same sailing occurred. Last year, all ports in Greenland was cancelled due to ice. To try to appease people aboard the company offered a significant discount to rebook for the 2024 sailing. See where this is going?
Most people aren’t awake at 6 to see the landing attempt. At 8am the captain comes over the ship PA system to inform everyone of the need to cancel the landing. The Germans who are aboard and experienced this same story last year quickly let their frustration be known. With all ports blocked by ice there’s no where else we can go. There are now five sea days ahead of us as we head towards Reykjavik.
Wanting to visit Greenland? Only do so mid-August through September.