Final bid to free Akademik Shokalskiy from its trap in Antarctic ice

Passengers on a Russian research ship trapped in thick Antarctic ice faced an uncertain wait yesterday for one last icebreaking attempt - with no guarantee of success.

The MV Akademik Shokalskiy has been marooned by heavy ice since Tuesday about 100 nautical miles east of the French Antarctic base Dumont d'Urville, with two icebreaking ships so far failing in attempts to reach it.

China's Snow Dragon came tantalisingly close on Saturday, getting to within 61/2 nautical miles of the passenger vessel carrying 74 scientists, tourists and crew before impenetrable ice forced it to turn back.

The Australian government's resupply ship Aurora Australis will now make one final bid to free the icebound boat. "It will assess if it can make it through the ice to the Akademik Shokalskiy," the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) said.

"If the Aurora Australis is not capable of getting through the ice, then we will look at utilising the helicopter on board the Chinese-flagged vessel [the Snow Dragon] which AMSA's Rescue Co-ordination Centre has tasked to remain in the vicinity."

The Snow Dragon's helicopter flew over the site yesterday afternoon to determine the best approach route for the Australian icebreaker and returned with promising news.

"RCC Australia has been advised that ice conditions are improving," an AMSA spokeswoman said.