(MENAFN- Qatar News Agency) Passengers rescued from a Russian research ship that became trapped in thick pack ice in Antarctica last month have finally arrived in Australia.
The 52 scientists and tourists had to be airlifted from the Akademik Shokalskiy onto an Australian ship after several failed rescue attempt
The Aurora Australis has now arrived in the Tasmanian port of Hobart, the (BBC) reported Wednesda
But there are still unanswered questions as to who will pay for the expensive international rescue missio
The Aurora Australis had to suspend a resupply mission to Australia's permanent base in the Antarctic, Casey Station, to take part in the rescu
The Australian Antarctic Division says operators of the Russian ship should foot the bill for the rescue, which it said had stretched its resources and could affect research projects, according to the BB
Expedition leader Chris Turney said lawyers and insurers were discussing costs, adding that he was very grateful to those who came to hel
"We are terribly sorry for any impact that might have had on fellow colleagues, whose work has been delayed from the operation, but any experienced Antarctic scientist knows that's an inherent risk," he sai
The team were retracing a route explorer Douglas Mawson travelled a century ago, but their vessel became trapped on 24 December.
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