Sick person rescued from Antarctic research station

Successful rescue mission in one of the most remote places in the world: After a long journey, an Australian icebreaker brought a sick person aboard the Casey research station in Antarctica.

The “RSV Nuyina” is now heading back to Hobart, thousands of miles away on the Australian island of Tasmania, local broadcaster ABC quoted a spokesman for the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) government agency on Monday.

On Sunday, the ship broke through the sea ice and reached a location 90 miles from Casey. “As soon as the ship got close, two helicopters took off from the helideck,” the statement said. “After a flight of almost an hour, the helicopters arrived in Casey and picked up the expedition member.”

The icebreaker left Hobart in late August and made its way to the Australian research station, about 3,500 kilometers away, after a person stationed there fell ill. It was initially unclear whether the victim was a man or a woman. The person needs a specialist examination and needs care in Australia, the AAD said.

Further details about the state of health were not initially known. All other participants in the expedition are doing well, the report said. The sick person is now being cared for at the “RSV Nuyina” by polar doctors and the medical staff of the Royal Hobart Hospital. The Casey Research Station is located approximately 3380 kilometers south of metropolitan Perth. It is the closest permanent Antarctic station to Australia. While about 150 expedition members live there in the summer, there are only about 20 in the winter. (sda/dpa)