A Russian ship trapped in the Antarctic is awaiting rescue from three ice breakers currently on route.

The vessel is called the MV Akademik Shokalskiy and has 74 people on-board, including scientists and tourists and crew members from Australia and Russia. It has been trapped since December 24, after strong winds pushed ice around the ship.

A low-pressure system has hung over the stranded vessel, creating blizzard winds over 70 kph. But the boat is not in danger of sinking, and is well stocked with supplies.

Three icebreakers are now making their way towards the ship, with the Chinese vessel the Snow Dragon expected to reach them within the day.

The ship departed New Zealand on November 28 on a privately funded expedition which commemorates the 100th anniversary of an Antarctic journey led by famed Australian explorer Douglas Mawson.

Written and presented by Alfred Joyner

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