Featured Image Credit: South Africa National Antarctic Programme
Topics: Antarctica, Science, Psychology
Emily Brown
Topics: Antarctica, Science, Psychology
Further details about an alleged assault at a remote Antarctic research station have come to light following reports that the scientists working there had pleaded to be rescued.
News of the events was first published by South Africa's Sunday Times on March 16, when it was reported that the government had to intervene after one of the nine researchers working at South Africa's isolated Antarctica base was described as becoming mentally unstable.
Researchers described the alleged events in an email sent from the base, insisting that 'immediate action' had to be taken to ensure the safety of the employees, who are not currently set to be relieved until December from the Sanae IV base, which is located on the northern tip of Antarctica.
According to the Sunday Times, the email claimed that the behavior of one of the employees had 'escalated to a point that is deeply disturbing'.
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"Specifically, he physically assaulted [name withheld], which is a grave violation of personal safety and workplace norms," it continued.
“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.
“It is imperative that immediate action is taken to ensure my safety and the safety of all employees.”
After news of the email came to light, a South African government official cited by BBC News offered insight into the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault.
According to the official, the threatening behavior began after 'a dispute over a task the team leader wanted the team to do'.
The team leader reportedly wanted to carry out a weather-dependent task which would require a schedule change.
Dion George, South Africa's environment minister, 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."
The South African environment ministry has said it is responding to the matter with the 'utmost urgency', with a government minister handling the incident personally.
The worker accused of assault has since willingly participated in further psychological evaluation, the ministry added, and has 'shown remorse' for what unfolded by writing a formal apology to the victim.
The accused party is also said to be 'willingly cooperative to follow any interventions that are recommended'.
The environment ministry has explained that before researchers can embark on the lengthy, remote missions to Antarctica, they undergo 'a number of evaluations that include background checks, reference checks, medical assessment as well as a psychometric evaluation by qualified professionals' to help ensure they are prepared for the mission.
All researchers on the current mission had been cleared in their evaluations, however the ministry noted that it was 'not uncommon' for workers to have to go through an adjustment when they arrive at extremely remote areas.
The team departed for Antarctica on February 1.