Icebreaker Sent To Rescue Russian Cruise Ship Can’t Penetrate Ice

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Chinese Icebreaker Snow Dragonicebreaker

The Chinese icebreaker, Snow Dragon, pictured above, is one of several ships that have been dispatched in attempt to rescue the stranded Russian cruise ship Akademik Shokalskiy which became stuck in ice in the Antarctic.

The icebreaker was trying to eat through a dense ice block in Antarctica to rescue 74 people trapped on a ship since Christmas Eve and came within 7 miles of the trapped Russian ship but had to turn back and retreat after the ice became too thick according to expedition spokesman Alvin Stone. The Snow Dragon had made slow but steady progress before the packed ice became more solid than expected, as thick as 10-feet deep in some places. When the Russian ship became trapped in ice earlier this week, it was only 2 miles from open water but the ice block has expanded and the ship is now more than 13 miles from open water. The ship became stuck after whipping winds pushed the sea ice around the ship, freezing it in place. The ship isn’t in danger of sinking and there are weeks’ worth of supplies for the 74 scientists, tourists and crew on board but the vessel can not move.

Three icebreakers, including the Snow Dragon, have been trying to reach the ship since Wednesday. France’s L’Astrolabe made it to the edge of the ice surrounding the ship on Saturday but called off its mission after it, too, failed to break through, said Lisa Martin, spokeswoman for the Australian Maritime Safety Authority which is coordinating the rescue operations. The third icebreaker, Australia’s Aurora Australis has the best chance of cutting through the ice and is expected to arrive on Sunday, Martin said.

“I think we’re probably looking at another 24 hours of twiddling our fingers and waiting for something to happen,” Stone said. Passengers and crew initially had to contend with blizzard conditions, including 40 mph winds but the weather has calmed considerably since then.

You can read my original report on this here:  https://fggam.org/icebreaker-ships-racing-to-rescue-russian-cruise-ship-stranded-in-antarctica-for-christmas/

Russian Cruise Ship MV Akademik Shokalskiymv akademik shokalskiy

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After serving in the United States Navy for 22 years I retired from the service late in 1991. Having always loved the southwest, shortly after retiring, I moved to the Albuquerque area where I have resided since. Initially I worked as a contractor for approximately 6 years doing cable construction work. That becoming a little dangerous, at an elevated age, I moved into the retail store management environment managing convenience stores for roughly 16 years. With several disabilities, I am now fully retired and am getting more involved with helping Pastor Dewey & Pastor Paul with their operations at FGGAM which pleases my heart greatly as it truly is - "For God's Glory Alone". I met my precious wife Sandy here in Albuquerque and we have been extremely happily married for 18 years and I am the very proud father to Sandy's wonderful children, Tiana, our daughter, Ryan & Ross, our two sons, and proud grandparents to 5 wonderful grandchildren. We attend Christ Full Deliverance Ministries in Rio Rancho which is lead by Pastor's Marty & Paulette Cooper along with Elder Mable Lopez as regular members. Most of my time is now spent split between my family, my church & helping the Pastors by writing here on the FGGAM website and doing everything I can to support this fantastic ministry in the service of our Lord. Praise to GOD & GOD Bless to ALL! UPDATED 2021: Rick and Sandy moved to Florida a few years ago. We adore them and we pray for Rick as he misses Sandy so very, very much!

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