Is anyone else following the story of the AAE expedition aboard the Akademik Sholkaskiy? Two reporters from the Guardian are onboard and the whole story can be found here: http://www.theguardian.com/science/antarctica-live

While we on ZODIAC were extremely lucky with weather and ice conditions, it's a sobering reminder of how wild and unpredictable Antarctica can be.

they seem to be exceptionally positive.

It is quite different than when Shackleton was iced in. What a difference a century makes!

That was interesting. Who is paying for this rescue effort? And the ship did not look particularly comfortable to me. I think I will stick with Silversea Explorer for my antarctic trip.

The researchers and other passengers have been rescued. The Chinese helicopter transported them to an Australian icebreaker. The crew will remain onboard until the ship can be freed from the ice.

It's my understanding that this scientific expedition is insured, so I guess the insurer gets the bill.

This was a crazy story. I remember watching the story during the holiday season. I can't imagine what that must have been like. I guess if your going to get stranded some place around the world that a cruise ship is probably one of your best bets for the most comfortable chance of survival. I watched several videos of people on the ship. It is a great example of people coming together to make the most of the situation and the drive to make something have meaning. I enjoyed the video of everyone stamping a landing pad for the helicopter.

Good news, both the Akademik Sholkaskiy and the Chinese icebreaker (which was trapped during the rescue) have been freed from the ice by a change in the winds.