S. Pole rescue trip for doctor delayed

4/24/2001

OAK HARBOR - The trip to the South Pole to pick up Dr. Ronald Shemenski, 59, was delayed yesterday because of blustery conditions in Antarctica.

The planned flight was delayed 24 hours and will be attempted today, officials said.

Dr. Shemenski, a longtime physician in Oak Harbor, Port Clinton, and Oregon, is recovering from the effects of pancreatitis.

The doctor continues to feel better, but officials fear the potentially life-threatening condition will reoccur.

An evacuation mission was initiated April 14. Two Twin Otter planes arrived on the icy continent Saturday.

The rescue crews have been grounded while waiting for a period of good weather before making the 10-hour trip to the South Pole.