Sparta Antarctic rescue called off

The damaged Russian fishing boat Sparta, moored to the Antarctic ice with life rafts deployed alongside. Photo / Supplied

Rescuers won't reach the Russian fishing ship Sparta, which is stranded in Antarctica, until tomorrow.

They had to turn back after the vessel's sister ship Chyo Maru was found to be too slow and incapable of making the journey, Newstalk ZB reported.

Rescue Coordination Centre spokesman Geoff Lunt said South Korean icebreaker Araon is escorting it out, and should arrive about 8am tomorrow.

Crew on the Araon will assess the damage and see if they can help Sparta's crew make more permanent repairs.

Mr Lunt said morale on the Sparta is high, now water has stopped leaking in and temporary repairs are holding.