CSIRO is currently responding to a medical issue on the underway voyage of research vessel (RV) Investigator in Antarctica.
A participant on the voyage has become unwell and requires further advanced medical care that is not available on board the vessel.
Following consultation with polar medical support services, it was determined that the most appropriate course of action was for the vessel to return to Western Australia for medevac of the patient. The vessel has now ceased science operations and will return to Australia.
The safety and wellbeing of CSIRO’s people and partners remains our number one focus.
The medical issue is unrelated to activities on the voyage. No further medical details will be released in the interests of privacy.
RV Investigator was on a 47-day research voyage in Antarctica led by Geoscience Australia. The research party was investigating Antarctic bottom water production and how this might change with a warming climate.
The return transit to Western Australia is expected to take approximately 10 days.
RV Investigator is part of the Marine National Facility, national research infrastructure operated by CSIRO, on behalf of the nation.