3 people from U.S. base in Antarctica evacuated in high-risk rescue operation: "Nothing short of heroic"

Three people needing medical care were evacuated from an American research base in Antarctica, New Zealand's air force says, during a perilous rescue operation carried out in freezing temperatures and 24-hour darkness. U.S. officials called the mission "nothing short of heroic."

One person requiring urgent medical care and two others needing medical assistance were flown out of McMurdo Station in a mission that took nearly 20 hours, the Royal New Zealand Air Force said in a statement on Wednesday. The U.S. National Science Foundation, which operates the station, sent out the call for help because there were insufficient medical resources at the base.

A crew on a Royal New Zealand Air Force C-130J Hercules braved the harsh conditions and successfully carried out the mid-winter medical evacuation, officials said. No information was given about the patients or their conditions.

Officials said a U.S. team at the base had to manually create a runway and ensure the ice was groomed and suitable for landing in Antarctica's perpetual winter darkness and sub-zero temperatures. After a detailed analysis of the weather and conditions of the airfield, the New Zealand air force crew -- with a doctor on board -- used night vision goggles to carry out the mission.

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