PHOTO: Professor Chris Turney of the University of New South Wales from a video he posted Dec. 26 on Vine. Turney is one of 74 crew member aboard the stranded ice expedition ship Akademik Shokalskiy. (courtesy Vine)

UPDATE: Monday, Dec. 30, 1:01 p.m.

An Australian icebreaker abandoned efforts to rescue the Akademik Shokalskiy, which has been trapped in Antarctic ice since Dec. 24 with 74 people onboard.

Severe weather conditions — snow showers and winds of up to 30 knots — forced the Aurora Australis back into open waters the afternoon of Dec. 30.

“These weather conditions have resulted in poor visibility and made it difficult and unsafe for the Aurora Australis to continue today’s attempt to assist the MV Akademik Shokalskiy,” according to a release from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). “Further attempts may be made by the vessel in due course to undertake the rescue once weather conditions improve.”

AMSA said the Aurora Australis made it to within 10 nautical miles of the Akademik Shokalskiy but then moved back into open waters about 18 nautical miles east of the trapped vessel.

Professor Chris Turney of the University of New South Wales has kept those following the story up to date with frequent tweets and online videos, including this tweet Monday.

Bad news: Aurora couldn't get through. Tried twice. Low visibility & heavy ice. Returning to open water. Try again tomorrow? #spiritofmawson

— Chris Turney (@ProfChrisTurney) December 30, 2013

Turney made it clear that the crew was still in good spirits with this tweet and photo Monday.

Shocking weather today. Wet & windy. Had to use tent for comms on top deck. Aladdin's Cave. In the #spiritofmawson! pic.twitter.com/WppeIGeJhT

— Chris Turney (@ProfChrisTurney) December 30, 2013

Friday, Dec. 27

The first of three icebreakers was within sight of 74 scientists, travelers and crew members on the Akademik Shokalskiy, which became trapped in Antarctic ice on Dec. 25. But the first attempts for rescue unfortunately failed.

The ice-rated ship is stuck in the ice floes about 1,500 nautical miles south of Hobart, Tasmania.

Professor Chris Turney of the University of New South Wales tweeted when the rescue vessel was visible.

Arrival of the Chinese icebreaker Snow Dragon on the horizon: http://t.co/6hT8ViHnyx A lot of happy faces on board. #spiritofmawson

— Chris Turney (@ProfChrisTurney) December 27, 2013

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) said on Dec. 27 that the Snow Dragon was within about 15 nautical miles from the vessel, progressing at slow speed, and that a second vessel was about 20 nautical miles away.

“Weather conditions improved on Friday, with strong winds and snow abating. Conditions are expected to remain favourable for the next two days,” AMSA’s statement said, adding that the Akademik Shokalskiy is stable and in regular contact, and that the people on board are reported to be safe.

The ship was operating the “Spirit of Mawson” voyage coordinated by a group of professors and scientists called Australasian Antarctic Expedition (AAE) of 2013-2014.

Turney's mood was upbeat even as the ship first felt the effects of being stranded.

We're in the ice like the explorers of old! All are well and spirits are high. Happy Christmas from the AA... https://t.co/dIiKBnP6rz

— Chris Turney (@ProfChrisTurney) December 25, 2013

Turney also tweeted several photos and video links, some that showed scientists testing the ice around the ship.

“They’re safe at the moment, so that’s good news. And we’re keeping a very close eye on things and we have plans in place if the situation is to become worse,” Andrea Hayward-Maher from the AMSA told ABC Australia News. “The vessel’s not damaged at the moment so hopefully we’ll be able to get the icebreakers through, or get people out another way, if necessary.”

Turney tweeted Friday night that the Chinese icebreaker ship Snow Dragon was on its way to hopefully get the ship loose:

The icebreaker cometh! #spiritofmawson Alok Jha https://t.co/0FUAdAJZ2L

— Chris Turney (@ProfChrisTurney) December 27, 2013

But shortly after, Turney sent out word that the rescue had failed, as the Snow Dragon could not get through the ice by itself.

Sorry to report the Snow Dragon couldn't get through but standing by for other vessel to help. #spiritofmawson pic.twitter.com/iX1eE4pnI1

— Chris Turney (@ProfChrisTurney) December 28, 2013

The expedition was commemorating the explorations of Australian explorer Douglas Mawson more than a century earlier. He was a noted geologist who had traveled with Sir Ernest Shackleton as well as headed his own trips to Antarctica.

The current voyage left New Zealand on Nov. 26 and was scheduled to return Jan. 4.

Follow Theresa Norton Masek at @cruiseapalooza.