A man who fell ill at a remote base in Antarctica is returning to Australia on an icebreaker after a difficult rescue mission, Australian authorities said Tuesday.
The man was working at Casey’s research station when he began to suffer from what officials described as a developing medical condition that requires specialist evaluation and care.
The icebreaker RSV Nuyina left Australia last week and traveled more than 3,000 kilometers south, breaking through sea ice until arriving at a location 144 kilometers from the Casey station, the Australian Antarctic Division said in a statement.
Two helicopters took off from the deck of the icebreaker on Sunday and arrived at the base after a flight of nearly an hour to rescue the man.
The division’s acting Director General of Operations and Logistics, Robb Clifton, said that “the first phase (…) has been completed safely and successfully and the ship is now on its return journey to Hobart, Tasmania’s island capital. south of Australia.
Until he reaches Tasmania, the man will receive treatment at the icebreaker’s medical facilities, provided by doctors specializing in Arctic medicine and by staff from Hobart’s main hospital.
Authorities declined to release the man’s name or medical condition to protect his privacy.
During the summer, more than 150 people work at the Casey Research Station in the southern hemisphere. But during the winter, fewer than 20 employees are left to carry out maintenance work.
The Australian Antarctic Division said all other people working at Australian bases in Antarctica are safe and in good health.
Source: DN
