Challenges ahead for people on trapped icebreaker

Heavy ice floes, unstable emotions and a lack of precise geological information about the ice-bound region – these are the main factors the Chinese ice-breaking vessel Xuelong and its crew must conquer, Xu Ting, deputy leader of the expedition told China Central Television on Saturday.

"Besides three to four meters of ice floes, dozens of icebergs appear near the vessel from time to time," Xu said.

Yu Haipeng, a meteorologist on board, said the wind became heavier on Saturday, which could make the situation worse for Xuelong.

Qu Tanzhou, director of the Chinese Arctic and Antarctic Administration, said the west wind is expected to turn east on Monday. This means ice could be blown to thinner floes, which the icebreaker can break by itself.

Xuelong can break ice about 1.1 meters deep at the speed of 2.8 kilometers per hour.

A lack of maps and environmental information has crippled the exhibition, despite its success in saving lives.

"We are collecting the information," the deputy leader said.

While collecting information and keeping a close eye on the ice floes, Xu said he must pay high attention to potential frustration due to the long offshore life. Xuelong has been at sea for nearly two months.

Movies, books and other entertainments, like ping pong, are accessible on board the ship, according to a previous China Daily report.