Falling backwards and plunging through clouds: British paratroopers’ landing on Tristan da Cunha
Summary
British paratroopers, including medical staff, jumped onto Tristan da Cunha, a very remote island in the South Atlantic, to deliver urgent medical help. This mission was needed because a resident potentially infected with hantavirus required quick treatment and supplies were only reachable by air drop.Key Facts
- The parachute jump took place from 2,500 meters above the South Atlantic Ocean.
- Tristan da Cunha is a British overseas territory with about 221 people living there.
- The island is usually only accessible by a six-day boat trip from Cape Town or the Falklands.
- A resident was suspected of having hantavirus after traveling on a cruise ship.
- The British Army’s 16 Air Assault Brigade’s Pathfinders, along with a doctor and nurse, conducted the parachute mission.
- The jump team flew first to Ascension Island before heading to Tristan da Cunha.
- The parachute descent included about 2,000 feet through clouds before the island could be seen.
- After landing, the team helped deliver oxygen and medical equipment to treat the patient for potentially weeks.
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