A member of a South African research team at a remote base in Antarctica has been placed under psychological evaluation there after he allegedly assaulted and sexually harassed colleagues, government officials said.
It comes after a group of his colleagues asked for “immediate action” after a member of their team allegedly physically assaulted and threatened to kill another colleague.
The researchers are in total isolation at South Africa’s Sanae IV base, and are reported to have ten months left of their 16 month expedition.
Located in the Queen Maud Land region, the base is 80 kilometres inland on a nunatak – a mountain ridge that protrudes from a glacier – and is completely surrounded by glacial sheet.
Its remote location combined with extreme weather conditions can make it difficult to reach.
A message from one of the researchers shared with South Africa’s Sunday Times said they were “deeply concerned” about their own safety due to a colleagues behaviour.
It said: “Regrettably, [his] behaviour has escalated to a point that is deeply disturbing. Specifically, he physically assaulted [name withheld], which is a grave violation of personal safety and workplace norms.”
“Furthermore, he threatened to kill [name withheld], creating an environment of fear and intimidation. I remain deeply concerned about my own safety, constantly wondering if I might become the next victim.”
The researcher said the team member had also been accused of sexual assault, adding that his behaviour had become “increasingly egregious”.
“It is imperative that immediate action is taken to ensure my safety and the safety of all employees,” the message continued.
South Africa’s Ministry of Environment, which oversees the research missions, said in a statement Monday night that the alleged assault on the base leader was reported on Feb. 27, and officials and counselors intervened remotely “to mediate and restore relationships at the base.”
“The alleged perpetrator has willingly participated in further psychological evaluation, has shown remorse and is willingly cooperative,” the ministry added.
They went on to say the perpetrator had written a formal apology to the victim of the alleged assault. No one was identified and authorities say there are currently no plans to evacuate anyone from Sanae IV.
South African Environment Minister Dion George appeared to confirm the incident, with The Times reporting he said: “There was a verbal altercation between the team leader and this person. Then it escalated and then that person did physically assault the leader.
“You can imagine what it’s like, it is close quarters and people do get cabin fever. It can be very disorientating.”
Because of the conditions at the base, George said that researchers undergo psychometric assessments before deployment.
The base has three modules and includes a helicopter hanger, sauna and hospital.
The nine-member team, which includes scientists, a doctor and engineers, is expected to stay at the base for about 13 months until next year, authorities said, living in close quarters through the hostile Antarctic winter, whose six months of darkness begin in June.
Previous problems have been reported at another of South Africa’s remote research bases on Marion Island, a South African territory near Antarctica.
In 2017, a member of a research team there smashed a colleague’s room with an axe over an apparent love triangle, according to a report to South Africa’s Parliament. Lawmakers said it appeared the researchers were living in highly stressful conditions.
In 2022 The US National Science Foundation, published a report saying 59% of women in the U.S. program has reported experiencing harassment or assault while on research trips in Antarctica.
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