A member of a South African research team held captive at a remote Antarctic base for more than a year has been sent for psychological evaluation after being accused of assaulting colleagues and sexually harassing them, authorities said.
Trouble at the Sana'e IV base was first reported by South Africa's Sunday Times, which said it had received an email from a team member last month claiming the man had assaulted and threatened the base's manager.
The letter contained a request for help.
“His behaviour has reached a level of grave concern,” the letter said, according to The Sunday Times.
“I remain extremely concerned about my safety and constantly wonder if I might be the next victim.”
The report claims the man allegedly threatened to kill.
South Africa's environment department, which is responsible for the research missions, said in a statement on Monday evening that information about the alleged attack on the base's leader was relayed on February 27 and officials and consultants intervened remotely “to mediate and restore relations at the base.”
Ministry officials said they communicated with team members almost every day.
“The alleged perpetrator has agreed to undergo further psychological evaluation, has expressed remorse and is cooperating willingly,” the ministry said, adding that he had written a formal apology to the victim of the alleged attack.
The statement said the charges were under investigation. The identity of the accused was not disclosed.
The nine-person team, which includes scientists, a doctor and engineers, is expected to remain at the base for about 13 months until next year, enduring the harsh Antarctic winter in confined conditions, six of which will be completely dark in June, authorities said.
The base is located on a cliff in Queen Maud Land and surrounded by an ice sheet, more than 2,485 miles from South Africa.
The supply vessel's next scheduled visit is in December, according to the South African National Antarctic Programme. It will take the ship about 10 days to travel from Cape Town.
Authorities said a decision had been made not to evacuate anyone from the Sana'e IV base, where unpredictable weather now forces the team to remain in place.
The ministry said all team members had been assessed before departure to ensure they could cope with the “extreme environmental conditions of Antarctica” as well as isolation and confinement. No problems were identified.
“It often happens that after arrival
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
