Antarctic rescue: Helicopter starts operation

    
An operation has begun in Antarctica to rescue passengers from ice-bound research vessel Akademik Shokalskiy.A Chinese helicopter arrived close to the vessel, bringing in a crew to assess the landing situation.The aircraft is expected to return within the hour to begin ferrying the first passengers out to another vessel.The Shokalskiy has been trapped since Christmas Eve. Its 22 crew are expected to remain on board once the 52 scientists and tourists have left.”The Chinese helicopter has arrived at the Shokalskiy. It’s 100 percent we’re off! A huge thanks to all,” expedition leader Chris Turney tweeted.

BBC