Amver ships sailing to assist Russian ship near Antarctica

M/V Akademik Shokalskiy

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority is sending three Amver participating vessels to assist the Russian passenger vessel Akademik Shokalskiy which is beset in ice near Antarctica, approximately 1,500 nautical miles south of Hobart.

Rescue authorities in Australia were notified early Christmas morning after the rescue center in Falmouth, United Kingdom received the Akademik Shokalskiy's distress message and relayed it to Australia.

The 74 people aboard the 233 foot Russian flagged ship, which also is enrolled part of the Amver system, are reported to be in good health and some are tweeting about their adventures.

Professor Chris Turney, leader of the expedition, posted a short video about the situation.



Can't see the video? Click here.

Australian rescue authorities have diverted the vessels L'Astrolable, Xue Long, and the Australian Antarctic Division vessel Aurora Australis. The vessels should arrive on the scene within two days.

If you're curious about the Amver system and how we save lives at sea you can learn more about Amver here.

We'll keep posting updates as we learn them.

Photo credit: marinetraffic.com

Video credit: YouTube