'Real-life horror movie playing out' as trapped scientists plead for rescue after ‘assault’ at remote Antarctic base

17 March 2025, 08:57

A group picture of all the researchers – from various science projects -- at the South African research station, SANAE IV, Antar
An overwintering team at the Sanae base back in 2014, who must stay at the base for months as travel is restricted. Picture: Alamy

By Flaminia Luck

A group of scientists stationed at a remote Antarctic research base is facing a "real-life horror movie playing out" - as reports emerge of physical and sexual assault among the team.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

The scientists, sent to study the continent’s climate at the Sanae IV base, are completely cut off due to extreme weather and ice floes, making it impossible for any outside assistance or evacuation.

A researcher from the team sent an alarming message to South Africa’s Sunday Times, revealing that one team member had physically assaulted another and threatened to kill them.

The message described an environment of fear and intimidation, noting that the situation had escalated to a point where the team felt unsafe.

Amazing Antarctica nature. Untouched nature. No people. Endless
Amazing Antarctica nature. Untouched nature. No people. Endless. Picture: Alamy

The email read: "Regrettably, [his] behaviour has escalated to a point that is deeply disturbing. Specifically, he physically assaulted [name withheld], which is a grave violation of personal safety and workplace norms.”

The message further detailed that the accused individual had also threatened to kill a team member, exacerbating the sense of danger within the group. In addition to the threats, the accused was also alleged to have committed sexual assault against another researcher.

"His behaviour has become increasingly egregious, and I am experiencing significant difficulty in feeling secure in his presence," the letter stated. “It is imperative that immediate action is taken to ensure my safety and the safety of all employees.”

With the team stranded at the research base, where winter temperatures average minus 23°C and wind speeds can reach up to 135 mph, help is not readily available.

The team’s isolation and the harsh conditions are raising serious concerns about their well-being and safety.

It typically takes about two weeks to reach the Antarctic research station
It typically takes about two weeks to reach the Antarctic research station. Picture: Alamy

'Very disorientating'

Dion George, South Africa’s Minister of Environment, has expressed his intent to speak with team members to assess the situation.

He acknowledged that tensions can rise in such a confined environment, saying: He 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.”

George also noted that researchers are required to undergo psychometric evaluations before being sent to Antarctica due to the psychological demands of the remote, harsh environment.

Read more: Quarter of Gen Zs consider quitting work as young Brits cite mental health as key reason to go unemployed

Read more: Labour benefits rift deepens as plans to slash welfare bill to be 'watered down' amid fears of backbench revolt

Antarctica tourism among the landscape of iceberg, glacier, and ice with tourists in zodiac. Antarctic Peninsula.
Winter temperatures average -23°C and wind speeds can reach up to 135 mph. Picture: Alamy

'Very, very lonely'

Professional explorer Alan Chambers, who completed a 700-mile skiing expedition to the South Pole, told the Times of the extreme isolation faced by those working in such conditions.

“From a psychological perspective it’s a very very lonely place.

"There’s very little interaction with humans or animals so if you’re in a camp or a research centre you’re with those people for six months, if not a year.

“What I think it does, from a psychological point of view, is that everything becomes heightened. It’s all white — there’s no colour, no noise and nothing you would see as normal so everybody’s behaviour — including your own — gets magnified and the little things become the big things."

The situation remains dire, with the team unable to receive outside help until conditions improve.

Cruise ship Antarctica expedition with tourists in Zodiac view Antarctic landscape, and Antarctica penguins, Antarctic Peninsula.
The first Sanae base was established in 1959. Picture: Alamy

The South African government is expected to take further action to ensure the safety of the team members, though the resolution may take time given the ongoing extreme weather conditions.

The first Sanae base was established in 1959.

South Africa also formally administers two islands between the country and Antarctica, Prince Edward and Marion, where it has a research station.

In 2017, an “unstable” team member on Marion Island was reported to have attacked a colleague in the kitchen with a frying pan and destroyed his room with an axe.

Latest World News

See more Latest World News

IKEA store in Vilnius, Lithuania

Russian spies accused of firebombing Ikea store ‘because colours are the same as the Ukraine flag’

‘Iran will suffer the consequences’ - Trump raises prospect of war with Iran as Us attacks on Houthis continue

‘Iran will suffer the consequences’ - Trump raises prospect of war with Iran as US attacks on Houthis continue

Irish professional mixed martial artist and businessman Conor McGregor visited the White House on Monday.

‘He doesn’t reflect the spirit of St Patrick’s Day’: Row erupts after Conor McGregor appears in The White House

Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer holds a press conference in the Downing Street Briefing Room after hosting virtual meeting with international leaders to discuss support for Ukraine.

Trump to speak with Putin tomorrow as Starmer says 30 countries will sign up to peacekeeping plan

Alexandra Clarke, 26

Brit holidaymaker missing after boat bursts into flames on dive trip off coast of Thailand's 'death island'

The rebels on Sunday claimed to have targeted the USS Harry S Truman carrier strike group with missiles and a drone.

US fights off Houthi drone attacks on aircraft carrier after Trump ramps up strikes on Yemen

Jack Draper of Great Britain celebrates after defeating Holger Rune of Denmark to win the Men's Singles Final of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells Tennis Garden on March 16, 2025

Britain’s Jack Draper wins Indian Wells Open after beating Holger Rune in biggest title of his career

A firefighter inspects a nightclub after a massive fire in the town of Kocani, North Macedonia, Sunday, March 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Boris Grdanoski)

20 arrested including government officials after 59 killed in North Macedonia night club fire

Iran has denied backing Yemen's Houthis after the US launched airstrikes in the country's capital and Donald Trump promised to 'hold Iran accountable' for allegedly supporting the rebels.

Iran denies aiding Houthi rebels after US strikes Yemen and Trump threatens to hold Tehran 'fully accountable'

Pope Francesco greets the faithful in St. Peter's Square.

Pope facing 'period of trial' as Pontif issues Sunday prayer from hospital

A firefighter inspects a nightclub after a massive fire in the town of Kocani, North Macedonia, Sunday, March 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Boris Grdanoski)

Arrest warrants issued for four people as North Macedonia nightclub fire death toll rises to 59

At least 50 dead after fire rips through nightclub in North Macedonia

At least 50 dead after fire rips through nightclub in North Macedonia

This image made from video by NASA shows astronauts waving after the SpaceX capsule docked with the International Space Station, Sunday, March 16, 2025. Top row from left: Nick Hague, Alexander Gorbunov, Suni Williams, Alexei Ovchinin.

Over the moon: SpaceX capsule docks with ISS as stranded NASA astronauts welcome replacement crew

A view of the pollution caused by garbage and various wastes following the thousands of Palestinians displaced under the ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel have returned to the northern Gaza Strip in Jabalia, Gaza on March 13, 2025.

US rejects Hamas’s ‘entirely impractical’ demands to implement ceasefire as talks reach impasse

The US has launched large strikes in Yemen as Donald Trump promised "overwhelming lethal force" until the Houthis cease attacks on shipping.

US launches strikes on Yemen as Trump promises 'overwhelming lethal force' against Houthis

"I ran, not to rip the joey away from its mother, but from fear she might attack me," Jones, who also uses the name Samantha Strable, posted on social media.

American influencer apologises after being threatened with deportation for snatching baby wombat from mum