Researcher at isolated Antarctica base snaps, attacks colleagues in deeply disturbing incident: leaked email
A member of a South African research team that is confined for more than a year at an isolated Antarctica base was put under psychological evaluation there after he allegedly assaulted and sexually harassed colleagues, government officials said.The problems at the SANAE IV base were first reported by South Africa’s Sunday Times newspaper, which said it had seen an email from a team member to authorities last month claiming the man had attacked the base leader and made threats.The email pleaded for help.“His behavior has escalated to a point that is deeply disturbing,” the email said, according to The Sunday Times.“I remain deeply concerned about my own safety, constantly wondering if I might become the next victim.” The report said the man allegedly made a death threat.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.” They were speaking with team members almost daily, it said.“The alleged perpetrator has willingly participated in further psychological evaluation, has shown remorse and is willingly cooperative,” the ministry said, adding that he had written a formal apology to the victim of the alleged assault.It said the allegations were being investigated.
No one was identified.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.The base is on a cliff in Queen Maud Land and is surrounded by a glacial ice sheet, more than 2,485 miles from South Africa.The next planned visit by a supply ship is in December, according to the South African National Antarctic Program.It takes the ship around 10 days to trave...