8 South African researchers 'stuck' in Antarctica amidst allegations of assault
A group of scientists working at a remote research base in Antarctica has been shaken after one of them was accused of physical assault.
The team of nine was set to spend months together at South Africa’s Sanae IV base, located about 170km from the ice shelf. The base is extremely difficult to reach, especially during winter.
A South African government spokesperson confirmed to the BBC that an assault had taken place. This followed earlier concerns about inappropriate behaviour at the station.
Reports say some team members have asked to be rescued. South Africa's environment ministry, which oversees the base, said it was treating the situation with urgency.
Before being sent to Antarctica, all team members had gone through background checks, medical exams, and psychological evaluations.
The ministry said that while some people struggle to adjust to isolation, there were no warning signs before the team left on February 1.
The assault was reported on February 27. Since then, officials have been holding daily discussions with the team to improve relations and maintain discipline.
The ministry is also investigating allegations of sexual harassment but denies that sexual assault took place. It said a government minister is handling the case directly.
The accused scientist has undergone further psychological evaluation, shown remorse, and written an apology to the victim. Officials say he is cooperating fully with the process.
The Sanae IV base, located more than 4,000km from South Africa, houses researchers for around 13 months at a time. Due to extreme weather, travel to and from the station is almost impossible for much of the year.
