At last, Antarctica icebreaker is on the move
Tuesday, 17 November 2009 16:46
Improving weather conditions allowed the Russian icebreaker Kapitan Khlebnikov to make some progress on its return to Ushuaia, Quark Expeditions said Tuesday afternoon.
The ship, which has been stuck in pack ice in the Weddell Sea, is now able to navigate and is expected to be in open waters soon. It had been due back in Ushuaia on Monday.
All 101 passengers, 23 staff and 60 crew remain safe and comfortable, according to Quark, with entertainment and educational programming continuing on the ship.
The voyage included a special visit to the emperor penguin colony near Snow Hill Island, where Kapitan Khlebnikov got iced in.
‘Although the delay may cause complications for return travel, all passengers are enjoying the extra time we have spent at the Snow Hill Island emperor penguin rookery and seeing the icebreaker in action,’ said Shane Evoy, Quark’s on-board expedition leader.
The Argentine Research base Marambio is 25 miles from the ship’s current location and within reach of the vessel’s helicopters. Quark said that while there is currently no cause for concern, as a precaution it contacted the base regarding use of the airstrip should there be any need to take passengers off the ship for medical or other concerns.
The company is working to adjust homebound flights for passengers from Ushuaia and is providing entertainment and educational programming for those waiting to embark for the next voyage.
