Rescuers brave extreme cold, complete darkness to save 3 scientists at Antarctic base

(CNN) - Three scientists working at a United States research base in Antarctica are receiving medical care after a high-risk rescue by New Zealand’s air force.

The flight to McMurdo Station on Tuesday was organized after a request by the U.S. National Science Foundation. One person needed urgent medical care and two others needed medical attention, according to New Zealand’s military.

The Royal New Zealand Air Force braved extreme cold and changing weather conditions for the challenging 20-hour operation.

A U.S. team on the ground had to physically create a runway on the ice before rescuers could land in the dark using night vision goggles.

The mission was successful, and the patients were taken to Christchurch, New Zealand, for treatment.