Antarctica. Death threats and attack on a team member in the Sanae IV database

Antarctica's research station was to take place in acts of violence, which the team member allegedly committed. One of the people working in the base informed the media about it and asked for help. As she pointed out, “she is deeply worried about her safety.”

On Sunday, coming out in South Africa The “Sunday Times” newspaper published an email, which it received from one of the members of the South African research team working at the Sanae IV station in Antarctica. It was informed that the base had a “physical attack”, which was to be committed by a member of the team (his name was not disclosed). “Unfortunately, his behavior escalated to a point that is deeply disturbing. First of all, he committed a physical attack, which is a serious violation of personal safety and norms in the workplace” – wrote the author of the email.

He also pointed out that this member of the team “threatened to death, creating an atmosphere of fear and intimidation.” He also emphasized that “he is deeply worried about his safety, constantly wondering if he would be another victim.” He appealed for “immediate action to ensure the safety of him and all employees” of the base.

Why the attack took place

Minister of the Environment of South Africa Dion George, whose department is responsible for the base and its mission, confirmed that an attack had occurred and indicated who was her victim. “The person who attacked the band's leader, regrets this and voluntarily underwent a again psychological assessment,” he said, quoted by “Guardian”. He also pointed out what was supposed to lead to the event. – There was a dispute for the task. The leader wanted the team to perform them. Because it depended on the weather, it required a change of schedule – he explained.

The Department's spokesman, quoted by “Guardian”, in turn, informed that “a full investigation is conducted and the department would take appropriate action in the event of any improper conduct of the person who committed him.”

Life in a base in Antarctica

BBC reports that it is particularly difficult to reach the South African base in Antarctica and there are usually 10 scientists in it. It consists of three connected, two -story buildings 44 meters long and 14 meters wide. It serves scientists to study the Earth's electromagnetic field, as well as Antarctica's geology and biodiversity. The Sanae IV base team usually consists of a doctor, two mechanics, three engineers, a meteorologist technique and several doctors.

Psychologists about functioning in insulation

As the British sender indicates, the incidents in Antarctica are rare, but they are not unprecedented. In 2018, there were reports with a knife attack at the Russian Bellingshausen research station. Psychologists indicate that insulation in such bases can have a negative impact on the human psyche. “When something bad happens during forced insulation, often small things can turn into conflict,” said Craig Jackson, professor of health psychology at the University of Birmingham and a member of the British Psychological Association. – So problems related to the hierarchy, the division of duties, and even small issues related to free time or food reasons can quickly grow to the size much larger than they usually – he added.

Gabrielle Walker, who took part in expeditions to Antarctica, also talked about how such work can affect mental balance. – You know exactly how (collaborators) they set aside a cup with coffee and which side is directed by its handle. You know that they scratch their nose three times before they sit. You know everything about them. And in bad circumstances it can start annoying you because there is nothing else, there is no other stimulus and you are with the same people 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – she said.

“Guardian” informs that the replacement of a 10-person team working at the Sanae IV database is planned for December.

See also: Satellite maps show how Antarctica's greening. “Serious fears”