A member of a South African research team stranded at an isolated base in Antarctica for more than a year has been sent for psychological evaluation after being accused of assaulting colleagues and sexually harassing them, officials said.
Trouble at the Sana'e IV base was first revealed by South Africa's Sunday Times newspaper, which reported last month it had seen an email from a crew member 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 Sunday Times quotes the email as saying.
“I remain extremely concerned about my safety and constantly wonder if I will be the next victim.”
The report claims the man allegedly threatened to kill.
South Africa's environment ministry, which is responsible for the research missions, said in a statement on Monday that the alleged attack on the base's leader was reported on February 27 and officials and consultants intervened remotely “to mediate and restore relations at the base.”
Ministry officials said they were in touch with the team almost daily.
“The suspect has voluntarily agreed to further psychological evaluation, expressed remorse and is cooperating willingly,” the ministry said, adding that he had sent a formal apology to the victim of the alleged attack.
The report said the charges were under investigation and the identity of the suspect was not disclosed.
The nine-person team, including scientists, a doctor and engineers, will remain at the base for about 13 months until next year, enduring the harsh Antarctic winter in a confined space that lasts six months until it gets dark in June, officials 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 expected 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 it had been decided not to evacuate anyone from the Sana'e IV base, where unpredictable weather conditions have forced the team to remain in place.
The ministry also said all team members had been assessed before departure to ensure they could cope with the “extreme Antarctic environment” as well as isolation and confinement. No problems were identified.
“It often happens that after people arrive in remote areas
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
