All Passengers Rescued from Ice-Trapped Russian Ship

The Akademik Shokalskiy ship has been stranded in Antarctic ice since Christmas Eve. Photo by EPA/BGNES

All passengers aboard the Russian exploratory ship Akademik Shokalskiy trapped by ice off the coast of Antarctica have been rescued from the vessel.

A Chinese helicopter has delivered the passengers, most of them researchers, aboard the ship Aurora Australius, reports RIA Novosti.

The news was first spread by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).

Apart from the 52 passengers of various nationalities, the Akademik Shokalskiy ship hosts a 22-strong Russian crew.

The vessel was blocked by ice on December 24. The helicopter rescue operation was launched after two attempts of approach by icebreakers failed due to poor weather.

The lives of all involved are reported to be out of danger.

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