A sick Australian expeditioner is heading back to Hobart after being airlifted to the icebreaker RSV Nuyina from Antarctica’s Casey research station.
The Nuyina left Hobart last week to rescue the expeditioner, who was suffering from a ‘developing medical condition’.
Two helicopters and a medical retrieval team made the nearly hour-long flight to reach the station and collect the patient, taking advantage of a weather window.
Three doctors, including a specialist from the Royal Hobart Hospital, will care for the patient in the ship’s medical facilities.
The Nuyina is expected to return to Hobart next week, depending on Southern Ocean weather conditions.
The Casey research station is the closest permanent Antarctic station to Australia, housing 16 to 20 personnel over winter.
The Nuyina, a half-billion-dollar icebreaker, was launched in 2021 for scientific missions and transportation of scientists and supplies to Antarctica.
