Help has finally arrived for "Sparta," a Russian ship stuck in Antarctic ice.
This South Korean icebreaking vessel is starting rescue work for the Sparta and its 32-person crew.
They've been trapped since December 16 with a 30-centimetre hole in the ship's hull.
South Korean media said the vessel is not in immediate danger of sinking, but it's sitting 1.5 meters below the water line.
The rescue ship, "The Aaron," shown here in file footage, travelled from New Zealand at the Russian government's request.
After it lightens Sparta's load by removing its fuel, the crews will attempt to seal the hull when it rises above water.
If they are successful, "The Aaron" will accompany the Russian ship into open water.
Lindsey Parietti, Reuters
