douglas moul son who studied life on the continent a century ago. on christmas eve, just 100 miles with from where they started their ship came to a halt, stuck in ten-foot high ice and they haven't budged since. >> what's that on the horizon. >> that its the ice breaker coming to rescue us. >> brilliant. >> the crew spotted the first rescue ship from china known as the snow dragon in the distance but their hopes were quickly dashed. the ice breaker only about six nautical miles away from the vessel couldn't get any closer due to the unusually thick ice. a french ice breaker also en route to assist but the mission was called off after it became clear the ship wouldn't get farther than the chinese boat. >> we're in the highs, but all are well. happy christmas from the aee. >> still spirits on the boat remain high. crew members and passengers channeling their energies in posts on social media creating video diaries for family members