The Australian Antarctic Division is currently responding to a helicopter incident near Davis station in Antarctica.

A helicopter with three people aboard made an emergency landing 150 nautical miles from Davis station early last night while returning from a scientific mission to survey a penguin colony near the Amery ice shelf.

The pilot and two passengers were injured in the incident. The helicopter was travelling in tandem with a second helicopter which immediately set down and assisted the injured.

The pilot and a passenger on the second helicopter are caring for the injured until additional medical support can be flown to the area and a recovery operation mounted.

Reports from the incident site are that all are warm and safe and that communication is being maintained with Davis station.

At this stage it is not known what caused the incident to the helicopter, operated by Helicopter Resources, and chartered by the Australian Antarctic Division.

The Australian Antarctic Division is currently looking at aircraft assets in the immediate area and weather patterns as it organises a recovery operation.

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