Last evening (9 January 2001) a single engined Squirrel helicopter was involved in an accident aboard the Antarctic supply vessel, MV Polar Bird. There were no injuries as a result of the accident, however the helicopter is not operational.
The Polar Bird, located in pack-ice off the coast from Australia’s Casey station, will be undertaking the re-supply of the station and carrying out the changeover of personnel before returning to Hobart.
The Australian Antarctic Division is currently contacting families of those personnel aboard the Polar Bird and at Casey station to advise them of the situation.