An Australian icebreaker is sailing to Antarctica on Sunday to evacuate a sick researcher in a remote station of the icy continent.

The RSV Nuyina was dispatched last week from Tasmania to Casey station, some 3,443 kilometers away, the Australian Antarctic Program said.

The researcher "requires specialist medical assessment and care in Australia for a developing medical condition," an AAP spokesperson said. The name of the condition was not given.

The ship has a top speed of around 16 knots, meaning the rescue could take several days.

The Nuyina was equipped with helicopters on board to help the evacuation effort, the spokesperson said in a statement Saturday.

WITH AFP