An Australian citizen, who was beset by illness at an isolated Antarctic base, is now en route back to his homeland aboard an icebreaker after a nerve-racking rescue operation. Reportedly, he developed a medical condition while toiling away at the Casey research station, a condition that required specialist attention.
Embarking on its journey from Australia the previous week, the icebreaker RSV Nuyina covered more than 3,000 kilometres heading south, confronting and overpowering the sea ice to reach an area about 144 kilometres from the base, as per a release from the Australian Antarctic Division.
Helicopters were dispatched from the icebreaker’s deck on Sunday, reaching the base almost an hour later to extricate the stricken man. Robb Clifton, the currently appointed general manager of operations and logistics for the division, reported that the preliminary phase of the rescue had been executed without a hitch. The icebreaker is now on the homeward voyage to Hobart. Clifton put forth that the man’s safe return as well as the provision of specialized medical aid were top priority.
Following his return on New Holland’s soil projected for the coming week, the ill man will receive round-the-clock care within the icebreaker’s fully outfitted medical facility under the watchful eye of polar medicine professionals and the Royal Hobart Hospital’s staff. Owing to privacy concerns, the authorities refrained from disclosing the identity or medical condition of the man.
Over 150 individuals work at the Casey research station during the Antarctic summer. However, the workforce dwindles to fewer than 20 during the harsh winter months, given the maintenance scope. The Australian Antarctic Division assured that all other personnel across Australian research bases in Antarctica continue to remain safe and accounted for.
