Antarctic scientist sorry for attack at remote station

The Antarctic researcher accused of threatening to kill colleagues trapped in a remote research station has apologised.

- RACHEL CLUN

Scientists at the Sanae IV base in Vesleskarvet, Queen Maude Land sent an urgent email back to South Africa late last month pleading for rescue, claiming a member of the nine-person team had attacked someone and was issuing further threats.

The South African Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) said in a statement on Tuesday that the alleged assault between two members of the overwintering team was reported on 27 February, and the accused has “shown remorse”.

The DFFE said it was also investigating alleged sexual harassment but reports of sexual assault were “not correct”.

“The alleged perpetrator has willingly participated in further psychological evaluation, has shown remorse and is willingly cooperative to follow any interventions that are recommended,” the department said.