The Australia Antarctic Division’s icebreaker is en-route to rescue an expeditioner from Casey Station in Antarctica who has a developing medical condition.
The RSV Nuyina left Hobart last week and is traveling over 3000km to reach Casey Station.
The ship is nearly at Casey Station, but the arrival time is uncertain due to winter conditions in the Southern Ocean.
In a statement to The Guardian, the Australian Antarctic Division said the wellbeing of its people was its highest priority.
“The expeditioner requires specialist medical assessment and care in Australia for a developing medical condition,” a spokesperson said.
“The ship was prepared over the previous few weeks, including loading helicopters for use in the evacuation.”
“The expeditioner’s family is being kept fully informed of the situation. All other personnel on stations are accounted for and safe.”
Antarctica’s remote location means there is limited medical support and scope for medical evacuation, which can be delayed and prolonged.
Casey Station has 16 to 20 people working during the winter period, with temperatures dropping as low as -30C between April and October.
RSV Nuyina is the fastest option for evacuation, as planes cannot fly to Wilkins Aerodrome runway during winter.
The icebreaker recently faced refueling issues in Hobart and had to travel north to Burnie for refueling.
