74 researchers remain stranded on a ship in the Antarctic as rescue workers work to free it.  Rescue workers were thwarted once again on Monday as an Australian icebreaker was forced to turn away after facing blizzard conditions, despite being as close as 10 nautical miles from the site.

“The weather condition is not safe for it to proceed, and it’s gone back to open water,” Lisa Martin with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority told CBS.  “It certainly looks like they will be there tomorrow,” she continued.

The Russian vessel MV Akademik Shokalskiy was frozen in place when it was hit with thick and crippling ice on Christmas, and has not moved in the week following.  Its mission was climate change research, honoring the 100th anniversary of the expedition of Douglas Mawson, an Australian scientiest.

The ship’s voyage began on December 8 and was slated for a return to New Zealand on January 4; it became trapped on its 15th day in ice measuring upwards of 10 feet thick.

Conditions are holding steady with the trapped passengers reporting they have sufficient provisions and are “holding up fairly well.”  The ship is not in any danger of sinking and the passengers– including crew and tourists in addition to the scientists– are reportedly keeping busy with yoga and Spanish classes.  They have also remarked it “wasn’t a bad place to be stuck” with scenic vistas and even visits from penguins.

A nearby Chinese ship is also in place to deploy a helicopter for an airlift rescue, while rescuers stand by for improved weather conditions.  Australian authorities have reported that the Akademik Shokalskiy has readied a place for the aircraft to land on the ice.  It has the capability to transport 12 people at a time; the crew of the Russian ship have planned to remain behind for the time being.

“A decision has been reached to evacuate 52 passengers and four crew members (using a) helicopter from China’s Xue Long (Snow Dragon) ship, should the weather allow,” came the statement from the Russian Foreign Ministry.