Australia rescues sick researcher from Antarctica

A sick Antarctic researcher has been successfully evacuated from a remote outpost on the continent. 

An urgent rescue mission was launched last week to reach the man who has an undisclosed “developing medical condition.” 

The rescue mission required a retrieval team, a massive icebreaker ship and two helicopters.

In an update on Monday, the Australian Antarctic Program (AAP) said the man had been flown to its icebreaker, RSV Nuyina and the man is en route to Tasmania. 

The research station has limited medical facilities – and only about 20 people live there during winter when conditions are at their worst. 

The first stage of the rescue mission is complete, and the icebreaker ship is expected to arrive back in the city of Hobart next week. 

“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 AAP’s Robb Clifton.

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