Polar expedition ship with 74 aboard sends a Christmas distress signal . Three icebreakers are heading for the trapped vessel . A British rescue coordination center received a satellite distress signal on Christmas morning from the Russian-flagged ship and contacted the Australian authority , which handles the Southern Ocean region where the vessel was stuck , an AMSA statement said . - December 25 : The first of two polar expeditions sent to search for Franklin and his men is launched from New York City by the United States Navy, under command of Captain Robert Peary. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority is coordinating the rescue .
Polar expedition ship with 74 aboard sends a Christmas distress signal . Three icebreakers are heading for the trapped vessel . - December 25 : The first of two polar expeditions sent to search for Franklin and his men is launched from New York City by the United States Navy, under command of Captain Robert Peary. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority is coordinating the rescue .