Xi requests safety of staff aboard stranded icebreaker

The Chinese icebreaker Xuelong, or Snow Dragon, anchors in a sea-ice field off Antarctica, Jan 3, 2014. Xuelong is blocked by thick ice after its rescue of passengers aboard stranded Russian science vessel MV Akademik Shokalskiy Thursday. (Xinhua/Zhang Jiansong)

President Xi Jinping has requested all-out efforts to ensure the safety of the staff aboard the research vessel and icebreaker Xuelong, which is trapped in heavy ice after its rescue of passengers on a Russian vessel stranded in Antarctica.

Xuelong's rescue mission had been accomplished under extreme risks and has won honor for China and the people, Xi said. He expressed regards and greetings to the 101-member expedition team, and ordered coordinated efforts to help them out of trouble and ensure their safety.

He also expressed hopes the team respond to the situation in a calm manner and return safely at an early date.

Premier Li Keqiang issued an instruction, asking the Xuelong team to stay calm and wait for the opportune moment to get out of trouble.

Xuelong, or Snow Dragon, on Thursday successfully evacuated 52 passengers who have been trapped on the Russian vessel MV Akademik Shokalskiy since Christmas Eve, with the assistance of the Australian rescue icebreaker Aurora Australis.

However, severe weather conditions trapped Xuelong and the team when they were about to continue the expedition after the rescue mission. Sources say it is unable to free itself from the distress on its own.

It is expected a positive weather change on Monday would make conditions favorable for Xuelong to get free.

Icebreaker Xuelong trapped after Antarctica rescue

China's icebreaker Xuelong has been trapped by heavy floes since Friday after rescuing passengers on a Russian vessel stranded in Antarctica.

Xueying 12, a helicopter on board Xuelong, or Snow Dragon, on Thursday successfully evacuated all the 52 passengers aboard the Russian vessel Akademik Shokalskiy that has been stranded since Christmas Eve to the Australian icebreaker Aurora Australis. >>> 

Chinese Xuelong ice-breaking attempt unsuccessful: AMSA

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) Saturday confirmed that the Chinese icebreaker XueLong's attempt to manoeuvre through the ice in Antarctica early this morning was unsuccessful.

XueLong has confirmed to the AMSA that the ship is safe and it is not in distress and does not require assistance at this time, according to the latest statement issued by AMSA. >>>