Russian research ship stuck in Antarctic ice arrives in New Zealand

The Russian research ship Akademik Shokalsky arrived on Tuesday at the port of Bluff, the southernmost town in New Zealand, after safely breaking free from Antarctic ice on January 7. "The ship has no technical problems," captain's mate Yuri Kudrin has told (Itar-Tass) news agency, saying work would begin on Wednesday. "The port authorities will be making necessary examination and checks, we will be getting supplies," he explained. The Russian research ship got stuck overnight to December 25. There were 74 people on board - the Russian crew of 22 and 52 passengers, including scientists from the Australian Antarctic expedition and travelers accompanying them.