Scientists in Antarctica send SOS, report sexual assault, death threats by colleague
- Alien On Earth
- Mar 19
- 2 min read
South Africa Claims Antarctic Base "Stable" After Researcher Accused of Attacking Colleague
Updated on: March 18, 2025 / 12:46 PM EDT
Johannesburg — It could be a scene from a chilling thriller: a group of researchers, marooned at a desolate Antarctic outpost, sends a frantic email begging for rescue as one team member is accused of violent behavior.
This, however, was no fiction. A researcher at South Africa’s remote Sanae IV base fired off an urgent message to the Sunday Times, alleging that a male colleague among the nine-person crew had spiraled into aggression and instability. The sender, whose name remains undisclosed, claimed the man physically attacked one teammate, threatened another’s life, and harassed a third—though South African officials later clarified that initial reports of sexual assault were inaccurate.
In the email, quoted by the Times, the researcher wrote, “His actions have grown more alarming, and I struggle to feel safe around him,” urging swift intervention to protect the team.
South Africa’s Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment responded, noting the incident was reported on February 27. They deployed “trained experts” to mediate, maintaining near-daily contact with the crew. The department stated the accused individual has cooperated fully, undergoing psychological assessments, expressing regret, and agreeing to recommended measures. He’s also penned an apology letter to the victim and offered verbal amends to others.
Environment Minister Dion George assured CBS News on Tuesday that “the base is peaceful and managed.” He vowed to monitor the situation closely, with psychologists and specialists in constant touch with the team. When asked about further steps, George said he’s “exploring all possibilities.”
Options, though, are slim. Brutal weather has severed sea access to the cliffside base, a cluster of stilted structures where the team is stuck until December’s summer relief ship arrives from South Africa—a nearly 15-day trip. An earlier evacuation would demand a costly emergency operation.
The department has launched a formal labor probe into the assault claims. Past incidents of violence at Sanae IV, including prior evacuations, have reignited debate over the mental health screening for such isolated postings, where the endless white void and silence can unravel even the steadiest minds.
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