Seven Koreans Rescued, One Dead in Antarctica

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Reuters Alertnet: http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/SP105869.htm

Seven Koreans rescued, one dead in Antarctica

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(Updates with details on training edits)

By Lee Joon-woo

SEOUL, Dec 9 (Reuters) - Four South Koreans swam through icy waters and huddled for hours in a hut before being rescued after their boat capsized in an incident near their Antarctic base in which a fellow researcher died, officials said on Tuesday.

Polar teams from around the world joined the rescue effort for the five and another group of three South Koreans who made it ashore in a weekend snowstorm. The four who swam ashore ate snow to help keep themselves awake.

President Roh Moo-hyun telephoned the head of the team, Yu Ho-il, to express admiration for their courage and condolences on the death of 27-year-old researcher Jeon Jae-kyu.

"The heroic way in which you overcame this crisis has given our nation not only joy, but also courage and strength," Roh said, according to a transcript released by his office. "I can't find the words to convey the pain in my heart at the tragic fate of Jeon Jae-kyu. The entire country and I are in grief."

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1. just in case anyone thinks there is no adventure

left in science. a remarkable story, and a sad loss for Korea.