Ship Still Trapped in Antarctic Ice After Third Rescue Ship Calls of Rescue Attempt

Akademik Shokalskiy has been stuck since last Tuesday

The latest attempt to rescue tourists and scientists aboard a research ship trapped in miles of Antarctic ice since Christmas Eve was called off due to harsh weather conditions.

An Australian icebreaker ship, Aurora Australis, made it within 10 nautical miles of the trapped vessel today before the rescue attempt was called off because winds of up to 30 knots and snow showers, according to a press release from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.

"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," AMSA said in the release.