Arctic Sea Ice -Scott Rogers

The Arctic sea ice met scientists’ expectations by melting to its smallest coverage on record since satellite observations began in 1979.

On Aug. 26, the ice extent shrank to 1.58 million square miles, or about 27,000 square miles below the record low set on Sept. 18, 2007.

Since the summer ice minimum doesn’t typically occur until middle or late September, experts say the sea ice should continue to dwindle for another two or three weeks.

With the Northwest Passage through Arctic Canada becoming increasingly ice-free, more commercial and private ships, sailboats and yachts are arriving to traverse the fleeting ice-free corridor.

Last summer, 16 private vessels made their way into the Northwest Passage, according to a survey by Nunavut officials.

While modern technology can provide some additional security and comfort than what was experienced by early Arctic explorers. Hidden ice and technical problems can leave ships stranded for long periods of time.

This could become especially dangerous should there be a delay in the arrival of rescue vessels in one of the world’s most remote regions.

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