Antarctic ship stranded: All 52 passengers rescued

Antarctica – All 52 passengers aboard the Russian vessel MV Akademik Shokalskiy were rescued by the Chinese. However, the rescue operation did not involve dislodging the vessel from the ice. Rather, the Chinese ice breaker, which itself got lodged into the ice six nautical miles from the Russian ship, carried out the resuce using a helicopter.

The decision was made to airlift the passengers to the Chinese ice breaker where they will then be taken back to Australia. The helicopter took the passengers in groups of 7 or 8 until there were all safely extricated. The 22-man crew of the MV Akademik Shokalskiy will remain with the ship in an effort to salvage it if possible.

“We’ve made it to the Aurora australis safe & sound. A huge thanks to the Chinese & @AusAntarctic for all their hard work! #spiritofmawson,” expedition leader Chris Turney tweeted.

The passenger rescue brings to end a 10-day drama. It was the objective of the Russian ship to travel the same course as followed by Australian explorer Sir Douglas Mawson. They were halfway into the 4-week journey when the ship got stuck in the ice.

“It’s 100% we’re off! A huge thanks to all,” tweeted Chris Turney, an Australian professor among the group of scientists, journalists and tourists marooned on the ship.

At the point where the Russian vessel is lodged, it is 1,500 nautical miles from the Aussie island of Tasmania. The passengers were visibly relieved to be rescued and homeward bound. Kudos to the Chinese for the rescue effort.

On The Web:
Antarctic ship stranded: All passengers rescued
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/antarctica/10546587/Antarctic-ship-stranded-All-passengers-rescued.html
52 Passengers Rescued From Stranded Antarctic Ship
http://abcnews.go.com/International/52-passengers-rescued-stranded-antarctic-ship/story?id=21395171