Culture Society, Identity and Belonging
Scientists trapped on an isolated Antarctic research station have requested urgent help after accusing a colleague of physical assault and death threats.
In an email to South Africa’s Sunday Times, a researcher warned that the man’s “increasingly egregious” behaviour had created an environment of fear, and alleged that “numerous concerns” had been raised with government officials before the group was left stranded for the winter.
The nine-person team is due to remain at the isolated Sanae IV base, alone, until December.
South Africa’s Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment said it was using counselling services to restore a healthy working environment and that the alleged perpetrator had apologised.
It denied a report of sexual assault but confirmed it was investigating an allegation of sexual harassment.
A 2022 report found about 60 per cent of women said they had experienced assault or harassment on the US equivalent of the Antarctic programme.
