A cruise ship found itself ensnared in thick sea ice on Saturday while operating close to Antarctica.

The Scenic Eclipse II became immobilized while traversing the Ross Sea and sought help after being unable to penetrate the surrounding ice, as noted in a press release from the U.S. Coast Guard.

In shared footage from a Coast Guard member, the USCGC Polar Star is visible as it breaks apart heavy ice while moving toward the stranded ship.

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Upon arriving at the vessel's location, the Coast Guard icebreaker made several close maneuvers through the surrounding ice to free the frozen blocks.

The Coast Guard indicated that the Scenic Eclipse II reached out to the icebreaker late Friday night after it became stuck approximately eight miles from McMurdo Sound.

A cruise ship found itself trapped in dense sea ice in Antarctica’s Ross Sea on Saturday and sought help from the U.S. Coast Guard. (SWNS)

Once released, the cruise ship was escorted several miles into open water to guarantee it could continue its journey safely.

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The Scenic Eclipse II accommodates up to 228 passengers and 176 crew members, according to the cruise line's website, with limited passenger capacity for Antarctic voyages.

The Coast Guard came to the aid of the Scenic Eclipse II after it was trapped around eight miles from McMurdo Sound. (SWNS)

The Coast Guard stated there were no injuries reported, and the vessel was cleared to proceed on its course.

"Due to changes in the ice formations, progress was slower than anticipated, leading the captain to request assistance from the nearby vessel USCG Polar Star to collaborate in clearing the area and avoid an extended period of slow sailing. The next day, the natural drift of the ice had opened back up, and conditions returned to normal," Scenic Group informed Fox News Digital.

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The cruise line mentioned the experience was memorable, with champagne served on the Observation Deck.

"We appreciated the professionalism and cooperation of the USCG Polar Star crew throughout our operations in the Ross Sea. While Scenic Eclipse II was never in distress, the collaboration between both vessels ensured a safe and efficient navigation through the shifting pack ice," remarked Captain James Griffiths, Scenic Group’s general manager of ocean operations.

The rescue coincided with a significant milestone for the Coast Guard vessel, which celebrated its 50th anniversary of commissioned service on the same day it aided the cruise ship.

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"At 50 years of age, Polar Star continues to be the world's most effective non-nuclear icebreaker," stated Commander Samuel Blase, Polar Star’s executive officer.

The assistance occurred concurrently with the Coast Guard vessel's celebration of 50 years of commissioned service, as noted by the Coast Guard. (SWNS)

Stationed in Seattle, the Polar Star is the United States’ sole operational heavy icebreaker, according to the Coast Guard.

Commissioned in 1976, the vessel is equipped with multiple high-capacity engines that enable it to cut through extensive layers of thick Antarctic ice.

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The Coast Guard reported that Polar Star undertakes yearly missions to McMurdo Station in Antarctica as part of Operation Deep Freeze, breaking through ice that can measure up to 21 feet in thickness.

Kelly McGreal is a production assistant on the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital.