Hantavirus Scare on ‘World’s Most Remote Island’ Triggers Daring British Army Parachute Rescue (Video)

Speaking with the BBC, Captain George Lacey explained the mission:

“We had a team of six, with two tandem parachutists, who took two passengers who were crucial for the mission. The consultant doctor, and the ICU nurse. They’re the ones who have been delivering medical care. It’s critical to have the doctors here.

“The guys in the Pathfinder [Platoon] have all got hundreds of jumps. But, I have to say, this was a particularly tricky one. The winds, obviously coming off the South Atlantic, were particularly strong. We dropped about five kilometers [three miles] off the sea. We knew we were going to get the job done, but it was a technical jump, that’s for sure.”

It’s unclear, at this time, the current status of the infected individual, or how hantavirus made its way to such an isolated island.

Previously, we had done a deep dive into Tristan da Cunha, discovering what life was like on the earth’s most remote island. According to a piece from NPR:

“Extreme isolation has shaped every part of life on Tristan. With no airport and only a handful of ships visiting every year, residents say they rely largely on themselves — and each other — to keep life on the island running.”

As for the British Army personnel now stuck in the distant location, Lacey added:

“Sadly, you can’t parachute back off the island. So, we’re waiting for the recovery, which is currently in planning. We’ll be here for a few days, then we’ll be on our way.”