Antarctic helicopter rescue delayed

Adverse conditions in the sea ice have delayed the anticipated rescue of 74 people stuck aboard a polar research vessel icebound in the Antarctic for over a week, dpa reported.

"Sea ice conditions in the area are likely to delay today's planned rescue of passengers from the MV Akademik Shokalskiy," said the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), which is coordinating the rescue.

AMSA said its preferred option was to wait for better conditions to effect a rescue.

ANN.Az