An attempt to rescue a Russian research ship stranded in Antarctica didn't go as planned.
This was the third attempt to rescue the MV Akademic Shokalskiy, which has been trapped in 10-foot-thick ice since Christmas Eve, NBC reported. There are 74 tourists and scientists aboard the trapped ship.
Harsh weather such as snow and high winds thwarted the Australian ice breaker, Aurora Australis', rescue attempt Monday.
The ship made it within 10 nautical miles Akademic Shokalskiy before being forced to retreat.
"These weather conditions have resulted in poor visibility and made it difficult and unsafe for the Aurora Australis to continue today's attempt to assist the MV Akademik Shokalskiy. Further attempts may be made by the vessel in due course to undertake the rescue once weather conditions improve," the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) said in a news release.
A helicopter waiting on a nearby Chinese vessel was not able to launch due to the treacherous conditions.
The Dec. 30 attempt was the third shot at rescuing the stranded cruise ship, NBC reported.
University of New South Wales Professor and expedition leader Christopher Turney has been tweeting and posting Vines from aboard the stranded ship.
The weather was so bad the crew had to look for extra shelter.
Shocking weather today. Wet & windy. Had to use tent for comms on top deck. Aladdin's Cave. In the #spiritofmawson! pic.twitter.com/WppeIGeJhT — Chris Turney (@ProfChrisTurney) December 30, 2013
A helicopter, called the "Snow Dragon," flew over the stranded ship Sunday.
"The Russian ship is somewhat tilting on one side. Many people were standing on the area on the right of the ship, waving," Xinhua News Agency journalist Zhang Jiangzhong reported according to NBC. "After checking all sides of the ship, the helicopter returned. The captain considered that the ship and passengers are safe but the ice situation still extremely serious and still beyond the Snow Dragon's ice-breaking ability."
The Aurora plans to make another rescue attempt if the weather improves. As of right now, the trapped passengers seem to be in high spirits.
"We're all having a good time here. The morale on the boat's excellent," Nicole de Losa said a video diary post on Youtube.
The icebreaker trying to reach the stranded ship.
