Authorities in Australia say an Australian who fell sick at a distant Antarctic base is returning house on an icebreaker following a frightening mission to rescue him
ByNICK PERRY Related Press
September 4, 2023, 7:45 PM
WELLINGTON, New Zealand — An Australian who fell sick at a distant Antarctic base is returning house on an icebreaker following a frightening mission to rescue him, authorities mentioned Tuesday.
The person was working on the Casey analysis station when he suffered from what authorities described as a creating medical situation that wanted specialist evaluation and care.
The icebreaker RSV Nuyina left Australia final week and traveled south greater than 3,000 kilometers (1,800 miles), breaking by way of sea ice to succeed in a location 144 kilometers (89 miles) from the bottom, the Australian Antarctic Division mentioned in an announcement.
From there, two helicopters have been deployed from the deck Sunday and arrived on the base after almost an hour to rescue the person.
“The primary section of the evacuation was carried out safely and efficiently and the ship is now on the return voyage to Hobart,” mentioned Robb Clifton, the division’s appearing common supervisor of operations and logistics. “Getting this expeditioner again to Tasmania for the specialist medical care required is our precedence.”
The person is predicted to reach in Australia subsequent week. Till then, Clifton mentioned, he can be cared for within the icebreaker’s specifically geared up medical facility by polar drugs docs and workers from the Royal Hobart Hospital.
Authorities mentioned they weren’t divulging the person’s title or medical situation to guard his privateness.
In the course of the southern summer season, greater than 150 individuals work on the Casey analysis station. However over the winter, fewer than 20 stay to carry out upkeep work.
The division mentioned all different individuals working at Australian bases in Antarctica have been accounted for and secure.