New Zealand plane makes Antarctic rescue mission

WELLINGTON - A Royal New Zealand Air Force plane left Christchurch Tuesday on a rescue mission to evacuate a seriously ill American man from the US’ Antarctic research base at McMurdo Station.

Bad weather in Antarctica had delayed the flight since the Americans first requested help Friday.

The aircraft had to turn back Saturday after getting reports of a blizzard at McMurdo. Gale force winds in the area prevented another attempt until Tuesday morning.

An air force spokesman said that if all went well the plane should return with the sick man, whose name and illness have not been disclosed, late Tuesday.