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 Monday.
The man was working at the Casey Research Station when he began suffering from what officials described as a developing medical condition that requires specialized evaluation and care.
The RSV Nuyina icebreaker left Australia last week and traveled more than 3,000 kilometers south, breaking through the sea ice until it reached a location 144 kilometers from 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 flying for nearly an hour to rescue the man.
The division’s acting general manager of operations and logistics, Robb Clifton, stated that “the first phase (…) was carried out safely and successfully and the ship is now on the return voyage to Hobart,” the capital. from the island of Tasmania. south of Australia.
Until reaching Tasmania, the man will receive treatment at the icebreaker’s medical facilities, run by doctors specializing in polar medicine and staff from Hobart’s main hospital.
Authorities declined to release the man’s name or medical condition to protect his privacy.
During the summer, in the southern hemisphere, more than 150 people work at the Casey Research Station. But during the winter there are less than 20 employees 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: TSF
