The rescue of tourists and other passengers of the stranded, Russian ship Akademik Shokalsky has started, as a Chinese helicopter reached the stranded crew. The operation follows several failed evacuation attempts.
Fifty-two scientists and tourists are to be transferred by helicopter to a Chinese ship, 7 miles away from the Shokalsky. The operation is to consist of seven 45-minute long trips, as the helicopter can take 12 passengers at a time. The plan is to then transport them 2 miles by barge to the Australian icebreaker, the Aurora.
Twenty-two members of the Shokalskyโs crew will stay with the vessel, which is not believed to be in danger.
The rescue of passengers of the stranded, Russian ship Akademik Shokalsky has started, as a Chinese helicopter reached the stranded crew. The operation follows several failed evacuation attempts.
Fifty-two scientists and tourists are to be transferred by helicopter to a Chinese ship, 7 miles away from the Shokalsky. The operation is to consist of seven 45-minute long trips, as the helicopter can take 12 passengers at a time. The plan is to then transport them 2 miles by barge to the Australian icebreaker, the Aurora.
Twenty-two members of the Shokalskyโs crew will stay with the vessel, which is not believed to be in danger.