The 63-metre Antarctic Chieftain remains under tow by the US Coast Guard after its propellers were damaged when it was beset by ice

This article is more than 5 years old

This article is more than 5 years old

The Australian-flagged Antarctic Chieftain is expected to remain under tow through ice by US Coast Guard cutter Polar Star for some time.



The 63-metre Antarctic Chieftain was damaged when it was beset by ice while fishing for toothfish about 1,700km northeast of McMurdo Sound on Tuesday night.



Polar Star reached it early on Saturday, cleared ice around it and hooked up a stern tow.



The blades of Antarctic Chieftain’s propellers are too damaged to be used for propulsion through the ice field.



The vessels are surrounded by 4.6m-thick ice covered with a layer of snow, the US Coast Guard says in a statement. Towing through ice is a slow process and ice conditions can change.

“Upon reaching a small area of open water, also known as a polynya, the Antarctic Chieftain will commence testing the vessel’s ability to steam under its own power,” the Coast Guard says.



Once testing is complete, Polar Star and the Antarctic Chieftain will head north through another 60 nautical miles of ice.



The New Zealand-flagged fishing boat, Janas, will arrive in the area on Monday night. It’s expected to assist the Antarctic Chieftain to reach the nearest safe harbour.

The fishing boat’s hull is not damaged and no oil has spilled.



The Antarctic Chieftain is owned by Tasmanian company Australian Longline. It is skippered by New Zealander Rob Climpson. The crew of 26 includes 13 New Zealanders.