A Chinese icebreaker boat, which was sent to rescue 74 people trapped on a Russian ship in Antarctica since Christmas Day, has halted its efforts as the ice was too thick.
According to the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, the Chinese "Snow Dragon" had reached the ice floe off the coast of Cape de la Motte, and had got about 6.7 nautical miles from the Russian-operated MV Akademik Shokalskiy, but called off the mission later, Fox News reports.
The Russian ship is not in danger of sinking as of now, and there are ample supplies and food for those aboard.
Meanwhile, another ice breaker ship, the Aurora Australis, with better capabilities than the Chinese vesselis, has headed towards the Shokalskiy and is expected to arrive over the weekend, the report added.
According to the report, the Russian vessel got stuck after whipping winds pushed the sea ice around the ship, freezing it in place.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app