Latest Updates by AMSA on MV Akademik Shokalskiy search and rescue operations
AMSA has issuedlatest update on MV Akademik Shokalskiy reporting that this morning, sea ice conditions in the area are likely to delay the planned rescue of passengers from the MV Akademik Shokalskiy.
AMSA understands that current sea ice conditions prevent the barge from Aurora Australis from reachingthe Chinese vessel Xue Long (Snow Dragon) and a rescue may not be possible today.
The Xue Long’s helicopter is unable to land on the Aurora Australis due to load rating restrictions. It isnot safe to land the helicopter next to Aurora Australis at this time.
The preferred and safest option at this stage is to ultimately transfer the passengers onto AuroraAustralis.
All passengers on board the MV Akademik Shokalskiy are currently safe and well. The preferred optionis to wait for conditions that will allow the rescue to be completed in a single operation to reduceunnecessary risk.
Alternative measures to complete the rescue operation are now being investigated by AMSA and theships involved.
View all latest updates on the search and rescue operation of MV Akademik Shokalskiy atAMSA’s webiste here