SCIENTISTS stuck at the South Pole for 10 months say a member of their team has threatened to kill another.
The extraordinary claim was made in an email to a newspaper in which an unidentified researcher pleaded to be rescued from their remote base on top of an ice-covered mountain.
They said the man’s “behaviour has escalated to a point that is deeply disturbing”. They added: “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.”
image [https://cdn.magzter.com/1583504377/1742264902/articles/fS7AcaJTXInCGawZeQsys/2116866679.jpg]
Assault
They also accused the unnamed man of sexually assaulting a colleague.
The research team from South Africa has been living in harsh conditions since May at the Sanae IV base in Vesleskarvet, Queen Maud Land.
Any rescue bid would be extremely treacherous due to the fast-approaching southern hemisphere winter.
The continent achieved the lowest temperature ever recorded on Earth at -89.2C in 1983, while wind speeds have reached up to 204mph.
After reading the plea sent to South Africa’s Sunday Times newspaper, the country’s Environment Minister said he would be speaking with the team to assess the situation.
Dion George added that there had been a “verbal altercation” between the accused and a team leader that spiralled into a physical assault. He said: "You can imagine what it’s like. It is close quarters and people do get cabin fever. It can be very disorientating.”
Mr George said all the researchers at the base had undergone a rigorous psychological evaluation to determine how well-suited they were to coping in such a demanding environment.
The team includes engineering, medical and meteorology experts, according to the South African National Antarctic Programme, which runs the base. Work includes geological surveys, studies of the Earth’s atmosphere and climate monitoring.
image [https://cdn.magzter.com/158350...
The extraordinary claim was made in an email to a newspaper in which an unidentified researcher pleaded to be rescued from their remote base on top of an ice-covered mountain.
They said the man’s “behaviour has escalated to a point that is deeply disturbing”. They added: “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.”
image [https://cdn.magzter.com/1583504377/1742264902/articles/fS7AcaJTXInCGawZeQsys/2116866679.jpg]
Assault
They also accused the unnamed man of sexually assaulting a colleague.
The research team from South Africa has been living in harsh conditions since May at the Sanae IV base in Vesleskarvet, Queen Maud Land.
Any rescue bid would be extremely treacherous due to the fast-approaching southern hemisphere winter.
The continent achieved the lowest temperature ever recorded on Earth at -89.2C in 1983, while wind speeds have reached up to 204mph.
After reading the plea sent to South Africa’s Sunday Times newspaper, the country’s Environment Minister said he would be speaking with the team to assess the situation.
Dion George added that there had been a “verbal altercation” between the accused and a team leader that spiralled into a physical assault. He said: "You can imagine what it’s like. It is close quarters and people do get cabin fever. It can be very disorientating.”
Mr George said all the researchers at the base had undergone a rigorous psychological evaluation to determine how well-suited they were to coping in such a demanding environment.
The team includes engineering, medical and meteorology experts, according to the South African National Antarctic Programme, which runs the base. Work includes geological surveys, studies of the Earth’s atmosphere and climate monitoring.
image [https://cdn.magzter.com/158350...
You're reading a preview of
Daily Express (Digital) - 1 Issue, March 18, 2025