An operation to rescue passengers from a ship stranded in Antarctic ice since Christmas Eve has finally begun.<br /><br />The arrival of a Chinese helicopter was announced on Twitter by Chris Turney, who heads the scientific team onboard the Russian research vessel, the Akademik Shokalskiy.<br /><br />Bad weather conditions had hampered earlier attempts to evacuate the 52 scientists and tourists.<br /><br />They are now set to be airlifted to a Chinese icebreaker and then put on a barge. It will take them to an Australian supply ship nearby.<br /><br />The Akademik Shokalskiy’s expedition was to commemorate the 100th anniversary of an Antarctic<br />journey by famed Australian explorer Douglas Mawson.
