The Australian Antarctic Division has been asked to assist in the repatriation of an expeditioner from the American Antarctic McMurdo station.

The Australian Antarctic program is providing its A319 Airbus and a specialist medical team to help.

The Australian team will be positioned in Christchurch later today and will fly to McMurdo station when weather and light permit.

Australian Antarctic Division Director Dr Tony Fleming said all nations work together very cooperatively in these sorts of emergency situations in Antarctica to provide support when and as required.

Further details will be available at a later time from the US National Science Foundation which is coordinating the operation.

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