The vessel is continuing its charge toward Antarctica for the emergency evacuation of a seriously ill expeditioner.
As the ship navigates challenging sea ice, it is not expected to reach Davis station until Sunday morning, where the man will be loaded by helicopter.
His condition is described as stable by the Australian Antarctic Division, but he needs to be brought to Hobart for ongoing treatment of the undisclosed illness.
The ship will need to refuel at Davis station before embarking on the two-week trip back across the Southern Ocean.
Emergency efforts to evacuate the seriously ill man have been hampered by sea ice.
“Challenging sea ice conditions are slowing efforts,” the Australian Antarctic Division said in an update on Friday afternoon.
The man arrived in Antarctica in November and had been due to spend the winter at the base, Division boss Tony Fleming said.
His illness is not linked to a pre-existing condition and the patient and his family have asked for privacy
