Psychologists are in constant contact with a South African research team after assault and harassment allegations were made. Dion George, the environment minister responsible for the country’s Antarctic programme, confirmed that experts are communicating directly with the nine-member team.

The Sanae IV research station, located near a cliff edge in northern Antarctica, is staffed year-round by scientists, engineers, and a medical doctor. Due to harsh winter conditions and ice storms, the current team cannot be rotated out until December.

Last week, one team member emailed the government, urging “immediate action” due to concerns that his colleague might harm him. He expressed ongoing fear for his safety, writing, “I might become the next victim.”

The researcher accusing a male colleague of physical assault and making a death threat, writing: “Specifically, he physically assaulted [X], which is a grave violation of personal safety and workplace norm. Furthermore, he threatened to kill [X], creating an environment of fear and intimidation.”

Given the location’s close living quarters and isolated setting, concern for the team’s safety is growing.

“Regrettably, [his] behaviour has escalated to a point that is deeply disturbing,” the email stated.

Minister George said the allegation related to ‘a dispute over a task the team leader wanted the team to do – a weather-dependent task that required a schedule change.’

In a further statement, South Africa’s Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) said it was also looking into a sexual harassment complaint accusing the same man.

They confirmed that the alleged incidents didn’t ‘require any of the nine overwintering team members to be brought back to Cape Town.’ However, the government has ‘immediately activated the response plan to engage the individuals involved through trained professionals in order to mediate and restore relationships at the base.’

Nigel Killeen / Getty

Neither the author nor the accused have been named.

According to the DFFE, the accused perpetrator has shown ‘remorse’ and is ‘willingly cooperative to follow any interventions that are recommended’, which include ‘further psychological evaluation.’

The South African has also reportedly written a formal apology to the victim.

South Africa first established a scientific station in Antarctica in 1960 where rotating teams operate missions, like studying Earth’s electromagnetic fields, more than 4,000 km from their homeland.

An icebreaking research ship usually supplies the Sanae IV station during the summer months.

Featured Image Credit: South African National Antarctic Programme