Passengers on Icebound Ship Rescued

A helicopter has rescued all 52 passengers from a research ship that's been trapped in Antarctic iced since Christmas Eve. Weather conditions finally cleared enough today for the operation.

A helicopter carried the scientists and tourists from the Russian ship in groups of 12 to an Australian icebreaker. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority's Rescue Coordination Centre oversaw the rescue.

All 22 crew members are staying with their icebound vessel, which is not in danger of sinking and has weeks' worth of supplies on board.

[Associated Press]