"The Krasin icebreaker of Russia has crossed the equator. It has passed half of the way from Vladivostok to the place of a rescue operation for the McMurdo station - the main scientific base of the Antarctica program of the U.S. National Science Foundation," the report runs.

The Krasin will clear the way for cargo ships carrying fuel, food

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and medicines. Otherwise the McMurdo station personnel will have to be evacuated.

The rescue operation will be held by the instruction of the Russian government and request of the U.S. government.

Traditionally, two icebreakers of the U.S. Coast Guard, Polar Sea and Polar Star, cater to the needs of the McMurdo station. Their capacity is several times smaller than that of the Krasin.

One of the U.S. icebreakers is under repairs, and masses of ice may cut off the station. Hence it was decided to send the Krasin to rescue the station.

The Krasin left the port of Vladivostok on December 21. It will reach a U.S. icebreaker on the edge of ice on January 20.

MOSCOW. Jan 6 (Interfax)