The plane landed on a runway of solid ice that had been lit up by the glow of debris set on fire in 55-gallon fuel drums. Two pilots, an engineer, and a replacement physician braved snow, darkness, and temperatures that plunged to 68 degrees below zero. Once they had arrived at the site, the plane's crew had to keep heaters blowing on their plane's engines to keep the oil and fuel from freezing. It may be easier to become engrossed with stories like this one than to go on rescue missions of our own. When something this spectacular and hazardous is going on, news media focus on it intensely.
People follow the adventure, hope for the best, and pray for the daring souls involved.
When it ends well, there is a collective sigh of relief. My hat is certainly off to everyone involved. I hope Dr. Shemenski recovers soon from his originally diagnosed illness and a heart problem found after his return. It may be easier to become engrossed with stories like this one than to go on rescue missions of our own. There are lots of both.