Bad weather delays risky rescue flight to South Pole

Shemenski at the Almundsen-Scott South Pole Station

PUNTA ARENAS, Chile (AP) -- Bad weather on Sunday forced a 24-hour postponement of a potentially risky flight from Antarctica to the South Pole to evacuate an ailing American doctor working at the end of the world.

The decision was made in the face of strong winds and low visibility, said Alerie Carroll, a spokeswoman for Raytheon Polar Services, the civilian company that provides staff and support services for U.S. Antarctic programs.

In Santiago, Chile, the weather bureau confirmed the bad weather conditions in the area.

RESOURCES Santiago, Chile weather forecast

The two eight-seater propeller rescue planes remain at Rothera base on Adelaide Island in Antarctica, where they landed the day before after a six-hour flight from Punta Arenas, Chile's southernmost city.

Ronald S. Shemenski, 59, is the only physician among 50 scientists working at the Amundsen Scott-South Pole station in Antarctica. He recently suffered a gall bladder attack and has been diagnosed with the potentially life-threatening condition known as pancreatitis.

The takeoff of one of the planes for the daring 10-hour flight to the Pole was scheduled for early Sunday, after its landing gear was changed to skis that can land on ice.

The flight has now been scheduled for Monday morning.

Flight arrives in Antarctica to rescue sick doctor
April 21, 2001
Rescue attempt not expected before Wednesday
April 15, 2001
South Pole rescue planned for sick doctor
April 13, 2001
Tough air rescue launched for ailing Arctic doctor
October 7, 1999

National Science Foundation
  • Center for Astrophysical Research in Antarctica
Kenn Borek Air Ltd.
Antarctica's Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station
The New South Polar Times

Note: Pages will open in a new browser window

External sites are not endorsed by CNN Interactive.