The Hon. Greg Hunt MP
Minister for the Environment
The three expeditioners injured on Sunday night in the helicopter incident in Antarctica arrived in Hobart this morning at 6:45am for comprehensive medical assessment and treatment.
Thursday afternoon provided a small window of opportunity to allow the injured expeditioners the chance to fly to Wilkins runway near Casey Station, 1400km from Davis Station which was close to the crash site. They were then transferred to Hobart on a four and a half hour flight aboard the Australian Antarctic Division’s Airbus A319 aircraft.
Doctors from the Royal Hobart Hospital accompanied the injured expeditioners on the flight from Casey Station to Hobart.
The injured are now safely in the care of doctors at the Royal Hobart Hospital where they are receiving comprehensive medical assessment and treatment for their injuries.
We now wish and hope the injured expeditioners a full and speedy recovery.
The accident is a reminder of the challenges that our scientists face working in Antarctica.
I commend the Australian Antarctic Division for their outstanding efforts throughout the entire ordeal from recovery through to the safe return to Hobart.
I particularly commend the pilots and crew of helicopters, Twin Otter and Basler aircraft involved in the rescue for the outstanding skill and courage which they displayed during the course of the rescue.
The rescue effort was successful due to precise planning and thorough care.
I would also like to commend the Royal Hobart Hospital and the Bureau of Meteorology for their added support which all contributed to the safe return of the injured expeditioners.