Modern Mysteries

Remote Antarctic base staff send plea for help due to 'disturbed' colleague

By T.K. Randall
March 17, 2025 ·  18 comments

The Sanae IV research facility. Image Credit: CC BY-SA 3.0 Dr Ross Hofmeyr It almost sounds like something from classic science-fiction horror movie The Thing, but the circumstances surrounding a recent cry for help from the staff of the remote Sanae IV Antarctic research facility appear to be very much the real deal.

Situated 100 miles south of Antarctica's ice shelf, the facility - which is manned by a ten-man South African research team - is about as remote as it gets.

To make matters worse, the Antarctic winter is about to close in and the current team stationed there is not due to be rotated out until December.

The alarm was raised recently when an e-mail was sent calling for "immediate action" due to a member of the team who had been acting in a hostile and threatening manner.

"Regrettably, [his] behavior has escalated to a point that is deeply disturbing," the email states.

"Specifically, he physically assaulted [name withheld], which is a grave violation of personal safety and workplace norms.""Furthermore, he threatened to kill [name withheld], 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 is imperative that immediate action is taken to ensure my safety and the safety of all employees."

Authorities in South Africa are now understood to be weighing up options.

"A full investigation is currently being commissioned and the department will act accordingly in relation to any wrong conduct against any official that has misconducted themselves," said a spokesperson for the department of forestry, fisheries and the environment.

Certainly, being trapped in a remote Antarctic base with someone who you think might attack you at any moment must be a harrowing experience to say the least.

Exactly what will be done about the situation, however, remains unclear.

Source: The Guardian | Comments (18)

Tags: Antarctica