3 researchers medically evacuated from US station in Antarctica

Three researchers at the U.S. McMurdo Station in Antarctica have been evacuated in a "challenging," nearly 20-hour medical emergency rescue mission this week conducted by the Royal New Zealand Air Force, officials said on Wednesday. One of the researchers needed urgent medical care, and two others also needed medical attention, according to the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF). Their names were not released. The rescuers faced a daunting task, dealing with extreme cold, rapidly changing weather conditions and having to land a C-130J Hercules rescue plane, which weighs about 160,000 pounds, on the ice and in the dark, according to the RNZAF. "The crew can only attempt the flight after detailed analysis of the weather and airfield state. The United States Antarctic Program Winter Team mus