Rescue Imminent for Stranded Antarctic Expedition

Ship has been wedged in ice since Tuesday

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An Australian icebreaker is on track to help free a trapped vessel in the Antarctic region, the third ship to attempt to break through thick sheets of ice in the five-day rescue effort.

The Russian MV Akademik Shokalskiy has been wedged in ice since Tuesday, the Australian Associated Press reports. The Australis is the third icebreaker to attempt to rescue.

Expedition leader and professor Chris Turney said the 74 passengers aboard the stranded vessel are in good spirits.

https://vine.co/v/h9VPxLAZ1lT

The expedition was retracing Australian geologist Douglas Mawson’s voyage 100 years ago.

[Australian Associated Press]