Scientists trapped on Antarctica plead for rescue after team member threatens to kill colleague

By GB News (World News) | Created at 2025-03-17 16:56:03 | Updated at 2025-03-18 03:12:29 10 hours ago

Scientists trapped at a remote Antarctic base have called for urgent rescue after a team member allegedly physically assaulted and threatened to kill a colleague.

The South African research group at the Sanae IV base has also reported sexual assault allegations against the same person.


South Africa's environment minister, Dion George, has confirmed the incident.

The researchers are in total isolation, with 10 months remaining on their 16-month expedition.

Antarctica map

Scientists trapped at the Sanae IV base have called for urgent rescue

GB NEWS

Dion George

South Africa's environment minister, Dion George, has confirmed the incident

REUTERS

Sanae IV base

The base is located in the Queen Maud Land region of Antarctica, 80 kilometres inland on a 'nunatak'

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"Specifically, he physically assaulted [name withheld], which is a grave violation of personal safety and workplace norms."

The researcher added: "Furthermore, he threatened to kill [name withheld], creating an environment of fear and intimidation."

George said: "There was a verbal altercation between the team leader and this person.

"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."

Experiment at Sanae IV base

Physical science research is conducted year-round at the facility

NASA

The minister noted that researchers undergo psychometric assessments before deployment due to the challenging conditions at the base, and has committed to personally speaking with the team members.

The base has three modules and includes a helicopter hangar, sauna and hospital.

Around 10 team members remain at the base in total isolation until the next team arrives between December and March.

According to the Antarctic Legacy of South Africa website, physical science research is conducted year-round at the facility, while Earth, life and oceanographic science research is conducted during summer months when temperatures and weather conditions are more favourable.

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