Two-week drift with Antarctic ice-pack is over for 25 fishermen

A British fishing vessel stuck for two weeks in the ice off Antarctica has been rescued thanks to an airdrop by a US Airforce supply plane.

The 36m (118ft)-longArgos Georgiabroke down two weeks ago and became trapped in the Ross Sea, as unusually icy conditions left the 25 passengers and crew stranded over Christmas and New Year.

The airdrop included a new piston for the engine as well as an emergency supply of chocolate.

The New Zealanders, South Africans, Spaniards and Russians on board plan to continue fishing for Patagonian Toothfish before returning to New Zealand in February.