Scientists at South Africa’s remote Sanae IV research station in Antarctica have called for immediate assistance following allegations of sexual assault and death threats by a team member, The Telegraph reported Monday.
A member of the 10-person team alleged a colleague physically assaulted one team member, sexually assaulted another, and threatened to kill someone at the base, according to The Telegraph. The situation has left officials scrambling for a resolution as winter conditions cut off escape routes.
In an email sent in February to government officials, the scientist warned the individual’s behavior had become “increasingly egregious” and that they no longer felt safe, the outlet reported.
“It is imperative that immediate action is taken to ensure my safety and the safety of all employees,” the email reportedly stated. The message further claimed concerns were raised about the accused individual before the SA Agulhas II icebreaker left for the season, leaving the team stranded.
McMurdo Sound, Antarctica: New Zealand’s Scott Research Base established as part of IGY, (International Geophysical Year, 1957-1958).
With no aircraft or ships available for evacuation, officials are weighing emergency medical transport to a German base 190 miles away. South Africa’s Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), which oversees the research program, has acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and launched an investigation, The Telegraph reported.
The DFFE stated it was “responding to these concerns with the utmost urgency and have had a number of interventions with all parties concerned at the base,” according to The Telegraph. “A full investigation is being commissioned and the department will act accordingly in relation to any wrong conduct against any official that has misconducted themselves.” (RELATED: Explorers Discover Ship On Which Polar Explorer Shackleton Made Final Voyage)
The crisis has renewed concerns over the psychological screening of personnel deployed to Antarctica. In 2017, a member of South Africa’s Marion Island research team allegedly attacked a colleague with a frying pan and damaged property with an axe, according to the Telegraph. For now, the Sanae IV team remains stranded, relying on remote conflict resolution efforts while authorities determine a course of action.
This article was originally published at dailycaller.com
