Antarctica: Stranded Sparta Crew Gets More Supplies

Antarctica - Stranded Sparta Crew Gets More Supplies

A Hercules aircraft has successfully dropped three palettes of supplies on the ice near the stricken Russian fishing vessel.

The supplies left by the New Zealand flight included pumps, patches and other gear necessary for the crew to repair the ship.

The crew of 32 members is pursuing efforts to handle a 30cm hole in the side which is 1.5m below the water line.

It is expected that an icebreaker will arrive on Monday morning to guide the Sparta back to New Zealand for full repairs.

The Norwegian vessel Seljavaer is standing by in a small area of open water as ice conditions are too dangerous for it to continue while its sister ship, the Chiyo Maru no. 3, is approximately 100nm away but it is not ice strengthened and its approach will be slowed as it navigates the ice pack.

The ice conditions are still dangerous for the Norwegian vessel Seljavaer and the Chiyo Maru no. 3, which is now about 100nm away, to keep trying to reach Sparta.

[mappress]

World Maritime News Staff, December 21, 2011; Image: TVNZ