On March 16th, a group of South African scientists asked to be evacuated from a several-month-long study in Antarctica. Their pleas were due to concerns about a team member allegedly becoming physically violent. (We know this is the plot of John Carpenter‘s “The Thing” but remember that these are real people who are in potential danger.)
Today their request was denied by the South African government.
The team consists of 10 scientists who set out for the Sanae IV Antarctic base on February 1st. Their study will last for 15 months, with 10 of them being spent in total isolation due to winter weather. Because of this, all of the team members underwent psychometric tests to ensure they could handle the stress of isolation.
The Allegations
A member of the Sanae IV team sent an email to the South African government accusing another member of physical assault.
“His behavior has become increasingly egregious, and I am experiencing significant difficulty in feeling secure in his presence,” the email said (via The Sunday Times.) “It is imperative that immediate action is taken to ensure my safety and the safety of all employees.” Calling the man’s behavior “deeply disturbing” and claiming he has created an “environment of fear and intimidation.”
Government Responses
Because of these allegations the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), which manages the program, plans to retest everyone. However, concerns about this unidentified person’s behavior were brought up when the team could have been (relatively) easily removed. Currently, the only way for the Sanae IV Antarctic base to be cleared is an emergency medical evacuation to a German base about 186 miles away.
When Newsweek contacted the DFFE, via email, about this claim, Dion George, the South African Environment Minister, confirmed an assault had taken place. He said that he would speak with team members “to assess for myself.”
“There was a verbal altercation between the team leader and this person,” George explains. “Then it escalated and then that person did physically assault the leader. You can imagine what it’s like, it is close quarters and people do get cabin fever. It can be very disorientating.”
“A full investigation is being commissioned and the department will act accordingly in relation to any wrong conduct against any official that has misconducted themselves,” says Peter Mbelengwa, DFFE communications chief. “During this unforeseen incident, the department is engaging with the professional that undertook the psychometric evaluation, to have the overwinterers reassessed and to assist with coping mechanisms during their time at the base, inclusive of conflict resolution strategies, interpersonal skills improvement as well as overall counseling and support.”
Why Sanae IV Won’t Be Evacuated
After investigations completed, it was found that; “There were no incidents that required any of the nine overwintering team members to be brought back to Cape Town. All on the base is calm and under control,” George told The New York Times.
According to George, the accused man has “written a formal apology,” “shown remorse,” and cooperated with a psychological evaluation. Adding that “all was in order” when the group left for Antarctica.
We’ll keep you posted on updates about the team at the Sanae IV Antarctic base as the situation develops.
