The survival drama in the frigid waters off the Antarctic ice shelf that has been taking place about 3,700 kilometers southeast of New Zealand for the past 10 days is now over for the stricken Russian fishing vessel.
The South Korean polar research ship Araon has accompanied the stricken Sparta to open water.
The Sparta crew members will remain on board for a while and the trawler will reach the port of Lyttelton (NZ) for further repairs to be undertaken.
[mappress] World Maritime News Staff, December 29, 2011;