After the New Zealand mercy flight successfully dropped supplies on the ice near the stricken Russian fishing vessel, its crew members have managed to fully level the ship.
Sparta is now back on an even keel and the crew only needs to proceed occasionally with pumping to keep ahead of the water ingress.
RCCNZ keeps monitoring the situation, including the weather conditions and the progress of various nearby vessels that have been tasked to provide assistance.
[mappress]
World Maritime News Staff, December 22, 2011; Image: TVNZ