A group of scientists who are stuck in a small basis in Antarctica has sent an e -mail to be saved after they say that a member of their team threatened to kill another colleague.
A South African research group sent to Sanae IV Base, a research station in Antarctica, is isolated for at least 10 months about their mission.
Extreme weather makes leaving and coming in almost impossible and there are thousands of kilometers between the team and their home continent.
This leaves the group with only each other for company in the absence of animals, other people and society as they know it.
Last week, one of the isolated researchers sent a disturbing e -mail in which they claimed that one of their number had attacked them and carried out further threats.
The group lived for fear of the man who was a threat to the entire team, the researcher wrote.
The team member was also accused of sexual abuse of one of his colleagues.
The author of the E -mail, which was shared with the Sunday Times of South Africa, wrote: 'Unfortunately his behavior has escalated to a point that is deeply disturbing.
Scientists in South African Antarctic research base Sanae IV have committed help
The basis is in Veseskarvet, Queen Maud Land, Antarctica
'In particular, he attacked physically [X]What a serious violation of personal safety and standards in the workplace.
Moreover, he threatened to kill [X]Creating an environment of fear and intimidation.
“I am very worried about my own safety and I constantly wonder if I could become the next victim.”
The author expressed enormous concern about the 'always serious behavior' of the colleague and called for immediate action to guarantee their own safety and that of the team as a whole.
“I have a lot of difficulty to feel safe in his presence,” the e -mail went on.
Neither the author nor the suspect are mentioned.
Milieu van Zuid -Africa, Dion George, said he would speak with the team personally to assess the situation.
“There was a verbal fight between the team leader and this person. Then it escalated and then that person physically attacked the leader.
'You can imagine what it is like. It's close and people get cabin fever. It can be very disorienting. '
Living in harsh conditions between a remote landscape and stunning temperatures of minus 23 degrees, the team rarely or never leaves the basis for their own safety.
George said that researchers are obliged to undergo rigorous psychological evaluation to determine their suitability for the mental demanding environment.
