SYDNEY (AFP) - A Chinese icebreaker that went to the aid of a Russian ship stuck in heavy floes in Antarctica has now itself become trapped by ice, Australian officials said on Saturday.

The Xue Long, which on Thursday used its helicopter to ferry those onboard the stranded Russian ship to the safety of an Australian vessel, has been unable to free itself, authorities said.

"Xue Long's attempt to manoeuvre through the ice early this morning was unsuccessful," the Australian Maritime Safety Authority said in a statement.

"Xue Long has confirmed to the Australian Maritime Safety Authority it is beset by ice."