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Abbott government to recoup 2,4 million dollar from Antarctic tourists

The Abbott government will seek to recoup an estimated $2.4 million for the rescue of 52 climate scientists, tourists and journalists from the "Akade,ik Shokalskiy". The rescue by the "Aurora Australis" blew the Australian Antarctic Division's contingency budget and set back its scientific program. In Hobart the Environment Minister Greg Hunt on Jan 22 suggested those aboard the "Akademik Shokalskiy" had contributed to its predicament, and the government would seek to recover the costs of the rescue as there has been significant disruption to the Australian Antarctic program because of the actions of those on board. "There are some questions as to whether or not the ship was detained by those on board within an area the captain identified would be subject to being frozen in. Tour leader Chris Turney apologised for the disruption caused by the rescue. Australian Antarctic Division director Tony Fleming said ethat responding to the Shokalskiy's distress signal had affected several scientific projects. The "Aurora Australis" had been on its way to supply Australia's main Casey base with food, fuel and scientific equipment for the coming year.

Arctic cruise ship reached Bluff

In the morning of Jan 13, 2014, the "Akademik Shokalskiy" arrived at the Southland port Bluff. After the ship was stuck in the ice, the passengers were transferred to the Australian icebreaker "Aurora Australis" which was being expected to dock in Hobart on January 20. The "Akademik Shokalskiy" will spend four days in New Zealand and was scheduled to sail from Bluff on Jan 18.

Polar cruise and research ship freed

On Jan 7 the "Akademik Shokalskiy" was able to free itself. After the wind turned, captain Igor Kisseljow managed to pull the ship through a gap out of the ice barrier and headed northward with seven knots. Meanwhile the ship made 40 kilometers way. The technical state of the ship was described as satisfactory. Also the icebreaker "Xue Long" was able to move a bit.