At the SANAE IV research station in Antarctica, it has been reported that a team member sent an email to authorities, alerting them that a male member of the team had attacked the base leader and made threats.

Scientists working at a remote research base in Antarctica have revealed that they were subjected to an assault and death threats from a team member they deemed mentally unstable, asking for help to be rescued. The incident, brought to light by South Africa’s Sunday Times newspaper, revealed that last month a team member at the SANAE IV station sent an email to authorities, reporting that a male member of the team had attacked the base leader and made threats. The email, published by the newspaper as a cry for help, stated, “His behavior has escalated to a very disturbing point. I continue to have deep concerns for my safety, worrying constantly if I’ll be the next victim.” The report alleged that the suspect made death threats and accused a team member of assaulting someone else sexually.

The email also stated, “He also threatened to kill [another team member], creating a climate of fear and intimidation. Urgent action is now essential to ensure my safety and that of all employees.”

TEAM CONSISTS OF 9 RESEARCHERS BBC reported that a team of 9 researchers was set to spend the winter at SANAE IV, managed by the South African National Antarctic Program and operated under the South African National Antarctic Expedition. The base is approximately 170 kilometers from the edge of Antarctica’s ice shelf, over 4,000 kilometers from South Africa. The average temperature at the base drops to minus 23 degrees during winter months, with wind speeds exceeding 200 kilometers per hour at times. The South African Ministry of Environment, controlling the research missions, announced on Monday night that the assault on the base leader was reported on February 27, and authorities and advisors intervened remotely to “mediate at the base and rebuild relationships.” They also added that they communicate with team members almost every day. The Ministry stated, “The perpetrator voluntarily participated in further psychological evaluations, showed remorse, and voluntarily cooperated.” Investigations into the allegations are ongoing.