Evacuation at Australian Antarctic base

A medical evacuation at Australia's Davis Station in Antarctica has required the Aurora Australis to turn back, after leaving the base two days ago.

A medical evacuation is underway at Davis station.

A “seriously ill” person is being evacuated from the Australian Antarctic base, Davis Station.

The person was part of a winter expedition with the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD), whose health has “declined rapidly”, the AAD said.

The AAD could not comment on the person’s identity or their condition.

The Aurora Australis is returning to Antarctica after leaving the station for Hobart two days ago.

The ship turned back at 5.30am this morning.

At 11am, the icebreaker ship was roughly 320 nautical miles (590 km) from Davis Station.

A helicopter will transfer the person to the ship when the base is in flying range and weather conditions are right, AAD said.