Antarctic Odyssey in question after day two

UPDATE - Dec. 8, 3:26 p.m.

McGrath has decided to continue her odyssey, and will begin about two days closer to goal with a departure from Patriot Hills.

Original Story

Meagan McGrath began her solo trek across Antarctica on Dec. 1, but only a day into the estimated 1,100 kilometre, 45-day trek, the Odyssey has halted.

After successfully walking and skiing just under 20 kilometres her first day, McGrath fell into a crevasse on the second.

Using her satellite phone, McGrath contacted the commercially operated base, Patriot Hills, asking for assistance. She was unable to escape the crevasse on her own.

Four people from Patriot Hills left to assist McGrath, and after eight wet and cold hours, she was pulled from the crevasse and taken to the base for assessment. One of the four-man crew was also able to salvage McGrath's gear.

During the eight hours, Patriot Hills was in contact with McGrath every 30 minutes.

The assessment revealed that McGrath had suffered bruised ribs.

"Meagan is currently deciding if she wishes to make a second attempt.  This is solely her decision, and we can only ask that she be as safe as possible since expeditions of this nature are inherently unsafe activities,” said Jim Marchbank, Science North CEO, in a release.

The sentiment was echoed by Nicole Chiasson, director of Education and Northern Programs

"Meagan did call me late last night to update me about her fall and status. Understandably, she has a tough personal decision to make. Planning the Antarctic Odyssey has been a large focus of her life for the past couple of years," she said.

"The decision to end the expedition now would be a brave decision,  but not an easy one for her. Meagan is, in our opinion, a hero for even attempting such an amazing adventure."

More information about the fate of McGrath's Antarctic Odyssey will be released as it becomes available.

For more information, visit www.sciencenorth.ca/meagan.