Russian Cruise ship trapped in ice, stranded in Antarctic coast

A Russian cruise ship with 74 people on-board got stuck in ice off the Antarctic coast since the morning of Dec. 25 (Wed).
The ship identified as 'Akademik Shokalskiy' carries passengers on an educational expedition, including 22 crews and 52 tourists, scientists and explorers.

Akademik Shokalskiy is out for a special research voyage in honor of the 100th anniversary of famed Australian explorer Douglas Mawson.

The expedition's leader Chris Turney of the University of New South Wales, Australia has been posting the progress of the cruise via social media sharing tools. On Christmas day itself, Turney Tweeted:

We're in the ice like the explorers of old! All are well and spirits are high. Happy Christmas from the AA... https://t.co/dIiKBnP6rz
— Chris Turney (@ProfChrisTurney) December 25, 2013

Rescue ships have already been called and according to Australian Maritime Safety Authority, the first ice-breaker to arrive at the cruise ship is China's  Snow Dragon (Xue Long). To arrive after are France's Astrolabe and the Australia's Aurora Australis.