New Zealand rescues three from US base in Antarctica during winter mission

New Zealand rescues three from US base in Antarctica during winter mission

New Zealand's air force said on Wednesday it had evacuated three people from a US research station in Antarctica. This operation was described as a high-risk operation in freezing temperatures and constant darkness.

Details of the rescue mission

On Tuesday, one person in need of urgent medical attention and two other people who also needed medical attention were evacuated from McMurdo Station in a rescue flight. The Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) announced this in a statement notice with.

Challenges in extreme conditions

The plane landed in the New Zealand city of Christchurch on Wednesday morning. The statement did not provide any details about the medical emergency or the nationalities of those affected. Commodore Andy Scott of the New Zealand Air Force said the extreme cold and landing on an ice rink in the dark make Antarctic midsummer flights one of the most challenging tasks for air crews.

Difficult weather conditions

“It is an extremely challenging environment to fly in with night vision equipment, as the extreme weather conditions result in rapid changes, making accurate weather forecasts difficult,” Scott continued.

Extreme temperatures and mission challenges

Temperatures at McMurdo Station fell as low as -24 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, complicating the 20-hour mission, which took place in the absolute darkness of the Antarctic winter.

Gratitude for the rescue operation

The US Chargée d'Affaires for New Zealand, Melissa Sweeney, said the evacuation was carried out "flawlessly". "We are very grateful. Our Kiwi partners did not hesitate to take on this mission in one of the most unforgiving environments on earth. Their skills and commitment are truly world-class," she said.

Previous rescue missions

The RNZAF has already carried out similar rescue operations in 2021 and 2024.