The evacuation of passengers from a Russian research ship stuck in Antarctic ice since Christmas Eve is finally underway.<br /><br />A Chinese helicopter is picking up all 52 tourists and scientists from the stricken Akademik Shokalskiy.<br /><br />The 22-strong Russian crew were expected to remain on board the vessel. All of those stranded are believed to be in good condition.<br /><br />Blizzards, fog and shifting sea ice had hampered earlier evacuation attempts. <br /><br />The scientists from several different nationalities were taking part in an expedition to commemorate the 100th anniversary of an Antarctic journey by Australian explorer Douglas Mawson.<br /><br />The passengers, who remained in good spirits, were being taken to an Australian ice-breaker.
