While many people are aware of the numerous research bases located across Antarctica, the majority may not understand how unforgiving the conditions are when staying there.
It’s the world’s southernmost and most secluded continent with virtually no residents.
Yet, scientists choose to live in bases there for months on end, studying the environment, climate change and Earth’s history.
But with the unforgiving weather outside the door of these purpose-built bases, researchers can go weeks or months on end without stepping a foot outside – this can contribute to cabin fever.
A group of South African scientists in one of the bases on the ice-based continent are currently experiencing this on the largest scale, as an email has been sent out pleading for help after a team member was said to have threatened to kill a colleague.
The unforgiving conditions of Antarctica can take its toll on scientists there (Getty Stock Photo)
The research group are currently staying in Sanae IV base, where they are meant to stay for at least 10 more months.
The weather, currently around -50°C, makes leaving the structure near impossible, as the group have been left thousands of miles from home with no clear method to get back.
Now, one of the researchers has sent a chilling email, claiming they were attacked by a colleague and are now living fear as the man continued threatening them and was a threat to the group.
They also claimed that the man in question had physically assaulted one of the other researchers.
In an email obtained by South Africa’s Sunday Times, it read: “Regrettably, his behaviour has escalated to a point that is deeply disturbing.
“Specifically, he physically assaulted [X], which is a grave violation of personal safety and workplace norms.
“Furthermore, he threatened to kill [X], creating an environment of fear and intimidation.
“I remain deeply concerned about my own safety, constantly wondering if I might become the next victim.”
Scientists in the base are fearing for their safety (South Africa National Antarctic Programme)
They added that his ‘increasingly egregious behaviour’ required immediate action, for the safety of the team, as the email added: “I am experiencing significant difficulty in feeling secure in his presence.”
The scientist behind the email and the accused have not been named.
Dion George, South Africa’s environment minister, has revealed that he would reach out, stating: “There was a verbal altercation between the team leader and this person. Then it escalated and then that person did physically assault the leader.”
Claiming that ‘you can imagine’ what it is like to be in ‘close quarters’ with the same people for so long, acknowledging that it ‘can be very disorientating’.
George also clarified that researchers must go through psychological evaluations to ensure that they are mentally prepared for the extreme conditions.
