An Australian icebreaker is now 11 nautical miles away . `` The vessel is fine , it 's safe and everyone on board is very well , '' Turney said . It 's not clear yet if it can break through the ice , Australian official said . A Chinese ship ca n't break the ice but is staying nearby in case of helicopter evacuations . Any helicopter rescue of 74 people and scientists on ice will depend on weather .
An Australian icebreaker is now 11 nautical miles away . It 's not clear yet if it can break through the ice , Australian official said . A Chinese ship ca n't break the ice but is staying nearby in case of helicopter evacuations . Any helicopter rescue of 74 people and scientists on ice will depend on weather .