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Psychologists are in “constant” contact with a South African science team isolated for months at a base in Antarctica after physical assault and sexual harassment allegations were made, a government minister has said.
The environment minister, Dion George, whose department manages the country’s Antarctic programme, confirmed to the Guardian that psychologists and other experts were in “direct and constant” communication with the nine-member research team.
The remote Sanae IV research station, located near a cliff edge, is staffed year-round by researchers. The current overwintering team is not due to be relieved until December, after the southern hemisphere winter ice storms pass.
Dangers of life in close quarters on the three-module base, more than 2,600 miles south of Cape Town, were revealed last weekend with the publication of an email sent by a researcher accusing a male colleague of physical assault and making a death threat.
The person who made the allegations said they feared for their own and their colleagues’ safety, demanding “immediate action”, according to the South African Sunday Times newspaper, which published the email but removed the names.
“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,” it said.
“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 letter said “numerous concerns” had been raised about the alleged attacker.
George said the allegation related to “a dispute over a task the team leader wanted the team to do – a weather-dependent task that required a schedule change”. The overwintering team normally includes scientists, engineers and a medical doctor.
In a further statement, South Africa’s department of forestry, fisheries and the environment said it was also investigating a sexual harassment claim.
It added that none of the alleged incidents “required any of the nine overwintering team members to be brought back to Cape Town” but it had “immediately activated the response plan to engage the individuals involved through trained professionals in order to mediate and restore relationships at the base”.
The alleged perpetrator had “willingly participated in further psychological evaluation” and shown remorse, the department said, including by writing a formal apology to the victim.
South Africa first established a scientific station in Antarctica in 1960. Researchers at the base – which is accessed during summer months by an icebreaking polar supply and research ship – conduct experiments including studying the Earth’s electromagnetic waves.
