Australian-flagged fishing boat leaving Antarctic after ice rescue

An Australian-flagged fishing boat freed from ice in Antarctica is now close to the open sea after being freed by a United States icebreaker, the New Zealand maritime rescue agency said on Monday.

The Rescue Coordination Center New Zealand (RCCNZ), which is organizing the rescue, said the fishing boat Antarctic Chieftain, carrying a crew of 26, was still under escort by U.S. Coast Guard icebreaker CG Polar Star as it moved under its own power through light ice.

The 63-meter Antarctic Chieftain, which became trapped after damaging three of the four blades of its propeller, called for help on Wednesday and was freed at the weekend.

RCCNZ search and rescue mission coordinator Dave Wilson said the vessels are currently in 80 percent to 90 percent open water, compared with the Antarctic Chieftain's original position which was nearly 100-percent ice pack.

Assessments continued on Antarctic Chieftain's ability to proceed with the intention to return to its home port of Nelson, at the top of New Zealand's South Island, for repairs, Wilson said in a statement.

The New Zealand-flagged fishing vessel Janas, currently around 110 nautical miles (200 km) to the north, stood ready to assist if required.

"The masters of the Antarctic Chieftain and the Polar Star are best placed to make an assessment of the best way forward and they 'll make that decision in due course," he said.

Half of the Antarctic Chieftain's crew were New Zealanders, according to RCCNZ. Endi