Australia evacuates sick researcher from remote Antarctic outpost

Icebreaking vessel RSV Nuyina sails more than 3,000km to rescue man with ‘developing medical condition’

File photo: The Australian Antarctic research station of Casey (left) overlooks Vincennes Bay, and lies 65km from the purpose-built Wilkins glacial blue ice runway where the first Airbus A319 jet to carry passengers from Hobart to Antarctica landed on 11 January 2008 (AFP via Getty Images)

An Australian expeditioner was evacuated from Antarctica as he required urgent medical care.

Australia’s icebreaking vessel RSV Nuyina sailed thousands of kilometres to reach the location of the man stationed at the Casey research station in Antarctica. It was accompanied by two helicopters and a medical retrieval team.

The urgent rescue mission was launched last week to reach the man suffering from an undisclosed “developing medical condition”.

RSV Nuyina sailed more than 3,000km, breaking through sea ice in some stretches to rescue the man.

The Australian Antarctic Program said the man was rescued and the ship is expected to return to the city of Hobart next week.

“It’s the earliest we’ve ever gone to an Antarctic station – just a day or two after the official end of winter,” said Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) acting general manager of operations Robb Clifton.

Australia’s Antarctic stations typically possess limited medical resources, with just one or two trained doctors available. The Casey research station is closest to the permanent Antarctic station to Australia.

Approximately 15-20 individuals reside at Casey, where harsh conditions and darkness hamper scientific activities during the winter season.

“The expeditioner will be looked after in the Nuyina’s specially equipped and designed medical facility by our polar medicine doctors and Royal Hobart Hospital medical staff,” said Mr Clifton.

“Getting this expeditioner back to Tasmania for the specialist medical care required is our priority.”

He said it is winter in Antarctica and an air evacuation would not have been feasible as the Wilkins aerodrome near the research station is unusable in extremely cold weather.

A narrow window, however, allowed two helicopters to reach the station by taking an hour-long flight and collect the patient.

“We were really only able to attempt it because of the fantastic capabilities the Nuyina gives us in terms of icebreaking and aircraft capability,” Mr Clifton said.

AAD said the family of the expeditioner is being regularly updated on the situation, and all other station personnel are confirmed to be safe.