Australia's Antarctic icebreaker Aurora Australis hits rocks in blizzard
Aurora Australis is seen after being refloated after a blizzard snapped its mooring and pushed it onto rocks in Antarctica. (AAP)
Icebreaker Aurora Australis has arrived in Fremantle for repairs after breaking its moorings and hitting rocks during a blizzard in Antarctica.
The vessel docked at Fremantle Port shortly after 5pm on Saturday.
It was at Mawson Station on February 24 delivering supplies when 130km/h winds tossed it into Horseshoe Harbour, causing hull damage.
Japan helped repatriate 66 Australian Antarctic expeditioners by diverting from its own scientific program to transfer the expeditioners the 2300km from Mawson to Casey research station, where they arrived safely on Saturday.
The expeditioners will be flown home on the Australian Antarctic Division's Airbus A319 in the next couple of days.
The US and Chinese Antarctic programs also provided logistical support to the Australian Antarctic Division following the vessel's grounding.
The Aurora Australis left for Fremantle with essential personnel on March 2.
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