From ABC news
Aurora Australis bill looms after Antarctic rescue of Russian research ship - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
The Australian Antarctic Division says the operators of a Russian ship stuck in Antarctic ice should foot the bill for a rescue involving the Aurora Australis.
The Aurora Australis was forced to suspend its re-supply of Casey Station to rescue 52 scientists and tourists onboard the research vessel Akademik Shokalskiy, which became stranded on Christmas Eve.
The Akademik Shokalskiy had been retracing Sir Douglas Mawson's Antarctic expedition and conducting scientific research before sea ice stopped it in its tracks.
The Division's acting director Jason Mundy says while it is too early to put a figure on the cost of the rescue to the program, it had stretched its resources and could affect summer research projects.
"Compensation is sought and dealt with between the insurance agencies of the ships' operators, so on that basis it may mitigate the expenses to the Antarctic program but we'll be seeking further information on the costs," he said.