Twenty-six crew members on board an Australian-flagged fishing boat are trapped by ice in Antarctica, sparking a rescue bid by a New Zealand fishing vessel.
The Antarctic Chieftain, a 63-metre-long vessel owned by Australian Longline Pty, requested assistance from The Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) on Wednesday, after it damaged three of its four propellers and became trapped.
Yesterday the vessel was about1700 kilometres from McMurdo Sound and US Coastguard icebreaker the Polar Star, was diverted to the site to help free the vessel.
Talley's fishing vessel, Janas, was also heading to the area.
Yesterday Polar Star was about 630 kilometres to the west of the Antarctic Chieftain and was likely to reach the area later today, or early tomorrow, depending on progress and weather conditions.
US Coast Guard Vice Admiral Charles Ray, commander of Pacific Area, said the seas of Antarctica were "treacherous and unforgiving".
In order to reach the stranded vessel, the Polar Star's crew would have to break through several miles of thick ice, endure winds and navigate through heavy snowfall.
Once Polar Star's crew free the Antarctic Chieftain from the ice, Janas would escort or tow the vessel to the nearest safe harbour.
RCCNZ and safety services manager Mike Hill said the fishing boat's hull was not damaged, and the crew of 26 was not at risk.
There had been no spill of oil, Mr Hill said.
"There is clear water around the vessel, so the hull is not being squeezed by the ice, but a combination of an unexpected build-up of ice floes two to three metres thick and damage to the propeller means it cannot get back to the open sea without assistance," he said.
"Once the icebreaker arrives at the scene, it may take some time to break through the ice to reach the Antarctic Chieftain but the fishing boat is well equipped with supplies and weather conditions are reasonable for the area."
NZME.
