A Russian research ship stuck in expanding Antarctic ice and a Chinese ice breaker sent to help have put out calls for further assistance and the U.S. Coast Guard is responding.

The Akadmik Shokalskiy became stuck in the ice on December 24. Tourists, scientists and journalists were on board the Russian ship conducting global warming research.

Chinese icebreaker Xue Long was dispatched to rescue the trapped researchers. Using its helicopters it was able to airlift dozens of passengers to a second rescue ship, the Aurora Australis, on Thursday. However, the Xue Long soon found itself stuck in the expanding ice.

Last week the Australian government asked the United States for assistance in clearing the way for the two ships and yesterday it was announced the U.S. Coast Guard would dispatch one of its largest ships to help.

Read more about the rescue mission – with video – on Examiner.com