The FRS Africana, Fisheries research vessel, has urgently departed, this afternoon, 21 June 2011, for Marion Island on an emergency medical evacuation. A member of the South African team currently based on Marion Island, has been ill since May 2011 and has not responded to treatment. Consequently, the South African Military Health Services, which provides medical advice to the remote research bases of SANAE in Antarctica, Marion and Gough Islands, has recommended that the member be evacuated, as soon as possible, to the mainland.
The vessel is expected to be back in approximately 12 to 14 days depending on the weather. The family of the concerned patient has been notified.
Enquiries:
Zolile Nqayi
Tel: 021 819 2423
Cell: 082 898 6483
E-mail: znqayi@environment.gov.za
