The man, who has an undisclosed “developing medical condition,” was rescued last week in an urgent rescue operation.

Medical retrieval teams, an icebreaker ship, and two helicopters were required for the mission.

Now, the man is on his way to Tasmania, where he will be assessed and treated by a specialist.

The Australian Antarctic Program (AAP) announced on Monday that the man had been flown to its icebreaker, RSV Nuyina.

It had traveled more than 3,000 kilometers (1,860 miles) to reach him. It was close enough to the Casey research station on Sunday for two helicopters with a medical retrieval team to deploy.

On the research station, medical facilities are limited, and only about 20 people live there during winter.

The ship is expected to arrive back in Hobart next week after completing the first stage of the rescue mission.

The expeditioner will be cared for by the Nuyina’s polar medicine doctors and Royal Hobart Hospital medical staff,” said AAP’s Robb Clifton.

Getting this expeditioner back to Tasmania for specialist medical care is our top priority.”

Besides the expeditioner’s family, all other station personnel are safe and accounted for, according to the AAP.

Prior to deployment to Antarctica, all Australian researchers undergo extensive medical examinations.

International partners can often assist in evacuations from one of the world’s most inhospitable regions because they are often complicated, expensive, and dangerous.

The nearby Wilkins aerodrome near Casey has an ice runway and is often impassable during the harsh winter months, so an evacuation by air was not possible in this case.

It is far quicker to send the icebreaker since the runway would require weeks of preparation.