Iceberg set to hit South Georgia breaks in two

STRONG sea currents have helped break a large chunk off the massive iceberg that is on a collision course with South Georgia.

The iceberg – originally covering 2,600 square miles, around the size of Devon – was spotted floating towards the British Overseas Territory in the southern Atlantic Ocean earlier this month. Scientists fear that if it hits the island, it could cause terrible damage to wildlife, including penguins.

Within the last few days, strong currents have caused it to pivot nearly 180 degrees. It then clipped the seafloor, causing a large section to break off. The lost chunk is a huge iceberg in its own right.

Geraint Tarling, of the British Antarctic Survey, said: ‘You can almost imagine it as a handbrake turn for the iceberg because the currents were so strong.’

Scientists are concerned the iceberg could grind against the seabed, disrupting ecosystems and preventing penguins from getting into the sea to hunt for food.

Although it is now floating away from the island, currents could still sweep it towards the eastern part of South Georgia, putting wildlife at risk. ‘All of those things can still happen,’ said Dr Tarling.

The iceberg broke off from the Larsen ice shelf in 2017.