An urgent evacuation is taking place for an unwell Australian expeditioner at the remote Casey Research Station in Antarctica.
Icebreaker vessel RSV Nuyina is sailing thousands of kilometres to retrieve the expedition member who has a “developing medical condition”.
The vessel reportedly left Hobart last week, according to The Guardian.
In a statement seen by the ABC, the Australian Antarctic Program said the ship had been preparing for the evacuation for weeks.
“The expeditioner requires specialist medical assessment and care in Australia for a developing medical condition,” it read.
Casey Research Station, 3,880 km due south of Perth, is the closest permanent Antarctic station to Australia.
During the summer about 150–160 expeditioners visit the station, but only 16–20 people remain on station over winter.
(ABC)
