Tas: Research vessel free from Antarctic ice

AAP General News (Australia)
12-20-2000
Tas: Research vessel free from Antarctic ice

MELBOURNE, Dec 20 AAP - An Australian research ship which was trapped in up to 15 nautical
miles of sea ice near Antarctica has freed itself and is heading for home.

Polar Bird, which was carrying 36 researchers and 20 crew, had been trapped for several
weeks before it started making headway early yesterday morning, voyage leader Dr Ian Allison
said.

"Prevailing winds and sea ice drift led to an easing of the ice conditions, allowing
the ship to make its way to open water by Tuesday evening," Dr Allison said.

The ship, travelling at 11 knots in easing weather, was expected to arrive in Hobart
on December 27, he said.

The Polar Bird, which is ice-strengthened but not classed as a full-blown icebreaker,
was caught in a sea of ice 400km north-east of Casey Station in the Antarctic.

It had left the station more than three weeks ago.

The icebreaker Aurora Australis, which left Davis Station last week, was diverted from
its course to try and free the Polar Bird.

The Aurora has resumed its course for Hobart and is also expected to arrive on December
27, Australian Antarctic Division logistics manager Geoff Dannock said.

Australian Antarctic Division director Dr Tony Press said it was unfortunate the ships
could not be back home for Christmas, but added that those on board could at least celebrate
the new year at home.

AAP st/clr/jas/bwl

KEYWORD: POLAR (CARRIED EARLIER)

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