Featured Image Credit: South Africa National Antarctic Programme
Topics: Science, Environment, Weather, World News
Joshua Nair
Topics: Science, Environment, Weather, World News
A terrifying email sent by a researcher fearing for their life at a base in Antarctica has been released in full.
Included in the message are some unsettling allegations against one of the scientist's colleagues, adding that they are 'deeply concerned' for their wellbeing in a call for help.
The scientists' group have been staying in the Sanae IV base, and the plan was to be based there for at least 10 more months, though it is unclear what effect this email will have.
Conditions in Antarctica are freezing, windy, and uninhabitable, with purpose-built bases being the only thing allowing humans to live in the environment, usually for months on end.
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But cabin fever is a real problem, and being so secluded from society, stuck with the same handful of people for up to a year and your own thoughts for so long can drive anyone up the wall.
The email, obtained in full by South Africa's Sunday Times, details concerns about a colleague's behviour and disturbing allegations of what has happened on the base.
"Regrettably, his behaviour has escalated to a point that is deeply disturbing," it began.
The researcher went on: "Specifically, he physically assaulted [X], which is a grave violation of personal safety and workplace norms.
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"Furthermore, he threatened to kill [X], creating an environment of fear and intimidation.
"I remain deeply concerned about my own safety, constantly wondering if I might become the next victim."
It was explained that the person's 'increasingly egregious behaviour' would need immediate action for the safety and wellbeing of the team.
"I am experiencing significant difficulty in feeling secure in his presence," the researcher admitted.
Both the author and the accused have not been named.
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South Africa's environment minister, Dion George, has since explained that he would help, while clarifying that researchers must go through psychological evaluations to ensure that they are mentally prepared for the extreme conditions.
"There was a verbal altercation between the team leader and this person. Then it escalated and then that person did physically assault the leader," he said.
Even though the email described the person as a threat to the group, the apocalyptic weather in the area means there also isn't an opportunity to step outside or get a moment away from those around you.
While the researcher has asked for assistance, there is currently no clear mode of travel available back to their homes, which are thousands of miles away.