Ailing Antarctic Researcher May Be Headed To Denver
Shemenski Coming To Denver For Surgery, Sources Say
After a daring rescue mission to the South Pole, an ailing 59-year-old Antarctic researcher is reportedly on his way to a Denver area hospital for surgery.
Dangerous Rescue Is Far From Over
Both ABC News and CNN reported that Dr. Ronald Shemenski (pictured, left) was headed to Swedish Medical Center in Englewood, Colo. Dr. Bill Pfeifer, a surgeon at Swedish Medical Center in Englewood, Colo., said that Shemenski wants to have his surgery at Swedish. Pfeifer Shemenski's lead physician, with the diagonsis earlier this month.
However, the hospital's media relations representative said that she had no information on Shemenski's plans.
Shemenski works for Raytheon Polar Services in Englewood. He is suffering from a gall bladder ailment and pancreatitis.
An eight-seat rescue plane flew to the South Pole Wednesday morning and transported Shemenski 1,300 miles to the edge of Antarctica, where he was staying overnight at the research station in Rothera.
If the weather cooperates, the plane will leave Rothera on Thursday afternoon and fly the second leg of the rescue mission to Punta Arenas, Chile.
Officials with Raytheon and the National Science Foundation were cautiously optimistic after the first leg of the perilous journey was completed.
"Yes, certainly we're pleased. But again, 800 miles -- more than 800 miles -- is a far distance for the aircraft to span, and we'll be much happier when they arrive in Punta Arenas," Peter West, of the NSF, said.
The rescue mission was especially dangerous because it's becoming winter now on the South Pole. Conditions include pitch-black darkness, snow and temperatures around 65 below zero celsius.
Officials said that Shemenski was walking and continuing to do his rounds before the rescue, but he needs medical attention before he suffers a possible relapse.
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Dangerous Rescue Is Far From Over
If the weather cooperates, the plane will leave Rothera on Thursday afternoon and fly the second leg of the rescue mission to Punta Arenas, Chile.
Officials with Raytheon and the National Science Foundation were cautiously optimistic after the first leg of the perilous journey was completed.
"Yes, certainly we're pleased. But again, 800 miles -- more than 800 miles -- is a far distance for the aircraft to span, and we'll be much happier when they arrive in Punta Arenas," Peter West, of the NSF, said.
The rescue mission was especially dangerous because it's becoming winter now on the South Pole. Conditions include pitch-black darkness, snow and temperatures around 65 below zero celsius.
Officials said that Shemenski was walking and continuing to do his rounds before the rescue, but he needs medical attention before he suffers a possible relapse.
- April 25, 2001: South Pole Rescue Flight Takes To The Air
- April 24, 2001: Crew Makes Successful South Pole Rescue
- April 22, 2001: South Pole Rescue Postponed
- April 21, 2001: Rescuers Try To Save American At South Pole
- April 12, 2001: South Pole Doctor To Be Evacuated
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