After passing through the belt of prevailing westerlies, Chinese research icebreaker Xuelong 2, or Snow Dragon 2, and its supply vessel Tian Hui entered the floating ice area around the Antarctic at midnight on Wednesday. 

The two ships encountered windy weather as they entered the area. With powerful cold winds howling, the navigable channel opened by the icebreaker was quickly frozen again and blocked the way ahead. The Snow Dragon 2 then turned around and re-opened a route next to Tian Hui, adjusted its speed and distance with Tian Hui, and returned to their planned sailing status.