Chinese icebreaker MV Xue Long, which went to rescue passengers of a Russian research ship MV Akademik Shokalskiy stranded in Antarctic ice for over a week, is now itself stuck.
The Shokalskiy, carrying dozens of scientists and tourists, was trapped in 10-feet thick ice 100 nautical miles east of the French base Dumont d'Urville since December 24, 2013. On Thursday, January 2, a Chinese helicopter from an icebreaker played hero and rescued the 52 stranded passengers on Shokalskiy, ferrying them to an Australian icebreaker Aurora Australis.
However, now the Chinese icebreaker itself needs help and the Australian icebreaker has been placed on standby in case the MV Xue Long needs any assistance.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), which is overseeing the rescue operation, confirmed in a statement that the MV Xue Long is stuck in the Antarctic ice.
"Xue Long notified AMSA at 1pm AEDT this afternoon it has concerns about their ability to move through heavy ice in the area. Rescue Coordination Centre Australia (RCC Australia) to remain in open water in the area as a precautionary measure," per the AMSA statement.
AMSA also indicated that there is no immediate danger to MV Xue Long's personnel on board. The Chinese icebreaking vessel advised RCC Australia that it will make an attempt to manoeuvre through the ice when tidal conditions are most suitable in the early hours of Jan. 4, 2014. However, the latest tweet from AMSA suggested that MV Xue Long's manoeuvre through the Antarctic ice was unsuccessful.
Xue Long’s attempt to manoeuvre through ice unsuccessful but confirmed it is safe. Aurora Australis released. https://t.co/ci0dNy1ONO
— AMSA News (@AMSA_News) January 3, 2014
AMSA has now asked the U.S. Coast Guard's Polar Star icebreaker to rescue the stranded vessels.
Meanwhile, with the Aurora Australis put on standby, the 52 rescued passengers from Shokalskiy now seem to be getting agitated.
"Frustrated because we had hoped to have some certainty regarding a plan for returning to family and loved ones after already many changes, but of course we are very aware why there is a new situation here and so can't be too upset," said Andrew Peacock to ABC News. "Having to just accept the situation for what it is and find ways to stay calm about it all and keep occupied — it's a wonderful environment, a beautiful sunset over the ice right now."
The rescue mission for Shokalskiy was initially halted due to adverse weather. As passengers were rescued, their ship was asked to be in standby to assist MV Xue Long.
Shokalskiy's 22 crew members remain on board as they wait for the ice to break up so that Shokalskiy can sail under its own steam.
