The final team have just (1400 hrs GMT, June 2nd) been picked-up from the North Pole where they spent the last 6 days.

The logistics of the pick-up are as follows:
A plane cannot fly from Eureka to the Pole without refueling. Two planes are needed, one to fly direct to the Pole and pick up the team. A second to dump fuel in 200 litre drums on the ice at about 87 degrees so the first plane can refuel on the way back.
While poor visibility is less of a problem at the Pole where there are people on the ice to direct and give radio navigation signals, and also to prepare the landing strip, good visibility is required at the fuel dump where there is no ground (sea) support.

A large depression has been sitting over the Arctic all week.

The ice team had enough food for four more days and were said to be cheerful. Contingency plans to drop food and fuel were prepared.

The British members of the expedition are expected back in the UK on June 5th