MV Akademik Shokalskiy still stuck in ice
AMSA has issued latest update on MV Akademik Shokalskiy reporting that adverse weather conditions impact the rescue. The vessel Aurora Australis is moving back into open water as the area is currently experiencing winds of up to 30 knots and snow showers.
Adverse weather conditions have resulted in poor visibility and made it difficult and unsafe for the AuroraAustralis to continue today’s attempt to assist the MV Akademik Shokalskiy.
Further attempts may bemade by the vessel in due course to undertake the rescue once weather conditions improve.The Aurora Australis made it within 10 nautical miles of the MV Akademik Shokalskiy but is now locatedin open waters about 18 nautical miles east of the Russian vessel.
AMSA report that it is also unsafe to attempt to launch the helicopter from the Chinese vessel which wastasked by the Rescue Coordination Centre (RCCAustralia) to remain in the area.RCC Australia is continuing to monitor the situation. RCC Australia is in regular contact with theAkademik Shokalskiy and the 74 people on board remain safe and well with supplies for several weeks.
The search and rescue operation commenced on Christmas morning AEDT after the Falmouth MaritimeRescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in the United Kingdom received a distress message via satellitefrom the MV Akademik Shokalskiy. The distress message and subsequent coordination of the incidentwas passed to RCC Australia, who is the responsible search and rescue authority for this area.
View all latest updates on the search and rescue operation of MV Akademik Shokalskiy at AMSA’s webiste here
Also read the following articles
The Guardian –Akademik Shokalskiy could be evacuated by helicopter in 48 hours if situation does not improve (video)
The Australian –Bad weather hampers Antarctic rescue bid for MV Akademik Shokalskiy
Learn information about the Aurora Australishere
Image: Aurora Australis with helicopter operations in progress (Image Credit: Australian Government, Australian Antarctic Division / Photo by Gary Dowse)