The British Antarctic Survey (BAS) announced on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, that the world’s largest iceberg, Iceberg A23a, has grounded about 70 kilometers (45 miles) from South Georgia island, potentially sparing its vital wildlife.
Iceberg A23a spanning twice the size of Greater London and weighing nearly one trillion tonnes, this icy giant has drifted north from Antarctica since 2020.
World's biggest iceberg runs aground, sparing wildlife haven island
➡️ https://t.co/A3CNsZPKrK pic.twitter.com/aqDsiB0fKD
— FRANCE 24 (@FRANCE24) March 4, 2025Fears loomed that Iceberg A23a might smash into South Georgia or stall in shallow waters, disrupting penguins and seals feeding their young. But since March 1, it’s stayed put 73 kilometers away. BAS oceanographer Andrew Meijers noted, “If it remains grounded, we don’t expect major impacts on local wildlife.”
The world's biggest iceberg appears to have run aground roughly 70 kilometres from a remote Antarctic island, potentially sparing the crucial wildlife haven from being hit, a research organisation said on Tuesday ➡️ https://t.co/EzuWh1lUgd pic.twitter.com/CjWoeAWJVI
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) March 4, 2025The colossal iceberg’s halt sidesteps a potential ecological crunch. South Georgia’s rich ecosystem, home to countless seals and penguins, dodges disruption for now. With Iceberg A23a stuck, researchers watch closely.
