A rescue helicopter is flying 400km to a remote island to evacuated a woman injured by a sea lion pup.

The woman had been assisting research work on Enderby Island, which is part of the Auckland Island archipelago south of Steward Island, swabbing sea lion pups’ mouths when she cut her finger about nine days ago.

The Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) had been monitoring the situation and was notified the infection had gotten worse.
 
“Sea lion bites are known to result in infected wounds,” says RCCNZ watch leader John Dickson.

“A doctor on a nearby cruise liner assessed the wound and recommended she be evacuated to hospital as a precaution as her condition is not responding to treatment,”.
 
Its Southern Lakes BK117 helicopter left at 9.40am when the weather was clear enough for  the mission.
 
“The 800 kilometre round-trip is a delicate operation due to the remoteness of the island,” Dickson said.

“There are fuel reserves on Enderby Island so the helicopter will refuel before it makes the return journey.
 
“We expect the helicopter will arrive at the island and to pick up the patient around lunchtime. All going well, they should be back in Invercargill around late afternoon.”