A Chinese icebreaker as sent to rescue a ship trapped in Antarctic ice. But due to thick ice, it had to be turned back on Saturday. As per repots, the ship was not able to make its way through the heavy sea ice.

It entered the region which was within seven miles of the Russian ship MV Akademik Shokalskiy. The Russian ship has been stuck there since Christmas Eve. The Snow Dragon icebreaker was sent for the rescue mission, but was forced to turn back after the ice became too thick.

The Akademik Shokalskiy got stuck after sea ice was pushed around it by a blizzard's whipping winds on Tuesday. The sheep got frozen at that place. There was no danger of sinking for the ship and 74 scientists, tourists and crew on board are safe. The vessel cannot move, but there are enough supplies for weeks.

Efforts are being made by three icebreakers, including the Snow Dragon, to reach the ship since Wednesday.

"I think we're probably looking at another 24 hours of twiddling our fingers and waiting for something to happen," said Stone, the expedition spokesman.

The interruption to the expedition has not de-motivated the scientists and it could be vindicated by the fact that they are continuing the research while stuck there.