Australian specialist aviation operator Skytraders evacuated an American from McMurdo Station in Antartica on July 31. The American was transported to Christchurch, New Zealand, where they were receiving medical treatment as of Friday. Photo courtesy Skytraders
Aug. 7 (UPI) -- An American was evacuated from Antarctica to a New Zealand hospital last week for medical treatment, officials said Friday.
The rare mid-winter operation was conducted July 31 by the Australian Antarctic Division, the Australian government agency responsible for running the Australian Antarctic Program, with aviation partner Skytraders, an Australian specialist aviation operator, AAD said in a statement.
The extent of the medical emergency was not immediately clear. UPI has contacted the U.S. Antarctic Program, which requested the evacuation, for comment.
Skytraders told UPI in an emailed statement that it deployed an Airbus A319 Long Range aircraft from Hobart, Tasmania, after receiving an urgent request for assistance.
