Additional Coverage:
- 3 researchers medically evacuated from US station in Antarctica (abcnews.go.com)
In a daring rescue mission, the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) braved extreme Antarctic conditions to evacuate three U.S. researchers from McMurdo Station. The nearly 20-hour operation, completed Wednesday, involved navigating extreme cold, unpredictable weather, and a nighttime landing of a C-130J Hercules on an ice runway.
One researcher required urgent medical care, while two others also needed attention. Their identities and specific medical conditions have not been released.
The U.S. Antarctic Program Winter Team prepared the ice runway for the massive 160,000-pound aircraft.
RNZAF Air Component Commander Commodore Andy Scott emphasized the mission’s complexity. Crews relied on night vision goggles in challenging weather, making accurate forecasting difficult. The lack of alternative landing sites further underscored the risks involved.
Upon landing, the crew executed a “hot refueling” – refueling with engines running – to minimize time on the ground. After securing the patients, the aircraft returned to Christchurch, New Zealand, where the researchers are receiving hospital treatment. The entire operation, a testament to international cooperation and skilled airmanship, lasted approximately 19.5 hours.
Read More About This Story:
- 3 researchers medically evacuated from US station in Antarctica (abcnews.go.com)