Latest news with #UnitedStatesAntarcticProgramWinterTeam
3 days ago
- Science
3 researchers medically evacuated from US station in Antarctica
Three researchers at the U.S. McMurdo Station in Antarctica have been evacuated in a "challenging," nearly 20-hour medical emergency rescue mission this week conducted by the Royal New Zealand Air Force, officials said on Wednesday. One of the researchers needed urgent medical care, and two others also needed medical attention, according to the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF). Their names were not released. The rescuers faced a daunting task, dealing with extreme cold, rapidly changing weather conditions and having to land a C-130J Hercules rescue plane, which weighs about 160,000 pounds, on the ice and in the dark, according to the RNZAF. "The crew can only attempt the flight after detailed analysis of the weather and airfield state. The United States Antarctic Program Winter Team must physically create the runway before we can depart by ensuring the ice is groomed and suitable for landing," Andy Scott, the RNZAF's Air Component Commander Commodore, said in a statement. "Although they determine it is safe, it's still an extremely challenging environment to fly in on Night Vision Goggles due to the extreme weather conditions, which are highly changeable at this time of year and makes accurate forecasting a challenge," Scott said. The medical conditions of the three researchers, all members of the U.S. National Science Foundation, were not disclosed. They arrived in Christchurch, New Zealand, on Wednesday, where they were being treated at a hospital, according to the RNZAF. The air force crew, which included a medical officer on board the flight, flew through the night on Tuesday to reach Antarctica, officials said. Once the aircraft landed safely, the crew kept the engines running while simultaneously refueling, a process known as "hot refueling," according to the RNZAF. The plane was on the ground long enough to quickly refuel, evacuate the three patients to the aircraft and take off back to New Zealand, officials said. The total operation took about 19.5 hours, officials said. "This, coupled with there being no airfields available to divert to once the aircraft is past a certain point south adds to the risk, so these missions are not taken lightly," Scott said.
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Climate
- Hindustan Times
Antarctica evacuation: Why 3 researchers at US base needed medical attention. First details out
A dramatic evacuation unfolded this week when the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) airlifted three researchers from the US-operated McMurdo Station in Antarctica, prompted by a medical emergency. The operation was conducted amid 24-hour darkness and temperatures as low as -24°C (-11°F), involved one individual requiring urgent medical care, and two others needing attention beyond the station's capabilities. Researchers were evacuated from a US-operated station in Antarctica(RNZAF) Air Component Commander Air Commodore Andy Scott, in a RNZAF press release, noted that the evacuation was 'one of the most challenging' missions the crew has performed. What happened on the Antarctica evacuation mission? 'The crew can only attempt the flight after detailed analysis of the weather and airfield state. The United States Antarctic Program Winter Team must physically create the runway before we can depart by ensuring the ice is groomed and suitable for landing,' he said. 'Although they determine it is safe, it's still an extremely challenging environment to fly in on Night Vision Goggles due to the extreme weather conditions, which are highly changeable at this time of year and makes accurate forecasting a challenge.' "This, coupled with there being no airfields available to divert to once the aircraft is past a certain point south adds to the risk, so these missions are not taken lightly,' he added. The McMurdo Station, a key hub supporting around 200 winter staff, relies on international support for emergencies during the Antarctic winter, when isolation and harsh conditions limit medical resources. The RNZAF's 19.5-hour mission, executed with a C-130J Hercules equipped with a doctor, successfully transported the trio to Christchurch, New Zealand. US Chargé d'Affaires Melissa Sweeney praised the effort as 'flawless'. 'We are so very grateful. Our Kiwi partners didn't hesitate to undertake this mission in one of the most unforgiving environments on Earth. Their skill and readiness are truly world-class,' she said.
