Three Americans Evacuated From Antarctica After Medical Emergency

New Zealand’s air force carried out a nearly 20-hour medical evacuation to rescue three Americans from Antarctica, calling it a high-risk mission conducted in freezing temperatures and total darkness.

The U.S. National Science Foundation requested the evacuation after three staff members at McMurdo Station were unable to receive adequate medical treatment on-site.

One of the individuals required urgent care, while the other two also needed medical attention and were transported as a precaution, according to New Zealand’s air force.

Air Commodore Andy Scott, head of New Zealand’s air component, said mid-winter flights to Antarctica are among the most difficult missions due to shifting weather, extreme cold and ice landings in total darkness.