The icebreaker 'Aurora Australis' has run aground during a blizzard at Horseshoe Harbour, Antarctica.
The ship had been resupplying at Mawson Station when it broke free of its moorings during a blizzard, according to the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD).
The division reports 68 crew and expeditioners to be aboard the vessel, but that all are safe and well.
Sustained winds of more than 70 knots have been recorded on the Mawson Station automatic weather station leading up to the time the 'Aurora Australis' broke its mooring lines. Blizzard conditions are forecast to continue for the next 24 hours.
The 'Aurora Australis' departed Hobart on January 11 and has been undertaking marine science around the Kerguelen Plateau region. It arrived at Mawson for resupply on February 20 before it was meant to head to Davis research station to collect a number of expeditioners before returning to Australia between March 15 and 23.
The AAD has said the ship remains watertight, and that the crew are monitoring the hull from inside the ship but current blizzard conditions are hampering a full assessment of the ship.
The Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) is working closely with P&O Maritime Services, owners of the 'Aurora Australis', to ensure the safety of all passengers and crew as a priority.
When the weather conditions allow, expeditioners will be transferred to Mawson research station. Winds must drop below 30 knots before any transfer takes place, the current blizzard conditions are forecast to ease overnight on February 25.
