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China’s research vessel¹ and icebreaker Xuelong has entered an area of clear water, after more than ten hours spent breaking up ice. A change in wind direction loosened the floes packed around the vessel, providing an 80-meter stretch of water for the Xuelong to navigate² in. The ship is continuing to collect data of geological conditions.

It’s now waiting for favorable weather to return. The icebreaker had been trapped in the area since Friday. On Thursday, its helicopter had evacuated³ all 52 passengers from the stranded⁴ Russian ship Akademik Shokalskiy to the Australian icebreaker Aurora⁵ Australis.

The Australian Maritime⁶ Safety Authority, the coordinator⁷ of the rescue operations, has sent a thank-you note to the Chinese Ambassador to Australia. It commends Xuelong’s contribution and professionalism in the mission.

Captain Wang Jianzhong (front) commands Chinese research vessel and icebreaker Xuelong to break out from ice in Antarctica, Jan. 7, 2014. Trapped China icebreaker Xuelong  made successful escape through heavy sea ice at 18:30 Beijing time on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Zhang Jiansong)   Chinese research vessel and icebreaker Xuelong sails through heavy ice in Antarctica, Jan. 7, 2014. Trapped China icebreaker Xuelong made successful escape through heavy sea ice at 18:30 Beijing time on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Zhang Jiansong)

Chinese research vessel and icebreaker Xuelong sails in the open waters in Antarctica, Jan. 7, 2014. Trapped China icebreaker Xuelong made successful escape through heavy sea ice at 18:30 Beijing time on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Zhang Jiansong)