Rescue begins for passengers trapped in icebound ship in Antarctica
CANBERRA, Australia – A long-awaited rescue of passengers on board a Russian research ship that has been trapped in Antarctic ice for more than a week is finally underway.
Expedition spokesman Alvin Stone said a helicopter from a nearby Chinese icebreaker landed near the Akademik Shokalskiy on Thursday and the operation to evacuate the 52 scientists and tourists on board had begun.
Expedition leader Chris Turney posted a video on his Twitter account showing the helicopter’s arrival.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority’s Rescue Co-ordination Centre, which is handling the operation, said it was still trying to confirm the reports that the evacuation had begun.
The Akademik Shokalskiy has been stuck since Christmas Eve.
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