ANKARA– Third attempt to rescue a Russian research ship trapped in Antarctic ice fails due to heavy snowstorm.
An Australian ice-breaker made an abortive attempt on Monday to rescue a trapped Russian ship in Antarctic, being forced to turn back after failing to push its way trough heavy snowstorm.
“Aurora Australis,” the Australian ice-breaker, awaits better weather to find a different route to the Russian ship.
In earlier attempts, Chinese and French ice-breakers also tried to rescue the ship but were unable to break the ice surrounding the vessel.
The trapped ship, with 74 people on board, was following a 100-year-old Australasia expedition first sailed by Sir Douglas Mawson.
“We are unable to send rescue helicopters to the area due to low visibility caused by bad weather condition,” said Lisa Martin, spokesman of Australian maritime security.
“We will send helicopters as soon as the weather conditions get better,” Martin added.
The crew members are said to be well-stocked and in no immediate danger.
