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The Chinese icebreaker ship that went to rescue a stuck Russian ship in Antarctica has now itself become trapped.

On Thursday, ship named Xue Long used its helicopter to ferry passengers on the stranded Russian ship Akademik Shokalskiy to a safe Australian vessel has been unable to free itself.

“Xue Long’s attempt to manoeuvre through the ice early this morning was unsuccessful,” confirmed the Australian Maritime Safety Authority in a statement, according to NDTV.

“Xue Long has confirmed to the Australian Maritime Safety Authority it is beset by ice,” they added.

The ship has hardly moved after it failed in cutting through the ice to reach the Shokalskiy.

AMSA also said that after the failed attempt the master of the Chinese ship has conveyed that vessel was safe and was not in condition for immediate distress. They also said the vessel had food supplies for several weeks.

“There is no immediate danger to personnel on board the Xue Long,” AMSA added.

Russian ship Shokalskiy remains stuck in ice at about 100 nautical miles east of the French Antarctic bases of Dumont d’Urville. The ship is decked with 22 crew members.

So far, 52 scientists, passengers and journalists have been helicoptered off the ship to Aurora Australis.

“The masters of both Akademik Shokalskiy and Xue Long agree that further assistance from Aurora Australis is no longer required and they will be able to provide mutual support to each other,” AMSA added according to Economic Times.