Two helicopters take off for stricken German ship

Two helicopters carrying provisions have taken off from a South African vessel for the German ship the Magdalena Oldendorff, which is trapped in ice in Antarctica. Russian polar explorers are on board the ship.

The first helicopter should have already reached the Magdalena, the German news agency DPA has reported with reference to the South African Environment Ministry.

The helicopters are expected to bring back nine Russian polar explorers each when they fly back to their ship.

There are 107 people on board the Magdalena Oldendorff, including 71 Russians.