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Fully screen isolated research team on Antarctica wants help. File image. Photo: David Keyton/AP/TT
A South African research team at an isolated facility in Antarctica has appealed to authorities for help after one colleague threatened to kill another.
An emergency call has been sent from the isolated research facility Sanae IV.
In the e -mail, which the South African newspaper Sunday Times has taken part in, concerns about one of the nine researchers, doctors and engineers who live together is expressed.
The man is accused of going to physical attack on the leader of the research team and pronouncing death threats.
“His behavior has escalated to a level that is very unpleasant,” the colleague writes and continues:
“I am still deeply concerned about my own safety, constantly wondering if I might be the next victim.”
The research team is more or less isolated, due to the whimsical weather conditions prevailing on the site. The next scheduled visit of supply vessels will not take place until December and the team is expected to continue work at the base for another 13 months.
On Monday, the South African authorities commented on the reports. No one will be evacuated from the facility, it was announced.
However, the accused man has agreed to voluntarily participate in a psychological evaluation. He has shown regrets and is cooperative, according to the South African Ministry of Environment that monitors the researchers.
Officials and advisors have intervened to remotely “mediate and restore relationships on the base”, says the Ministry.