Government responds after scientist trapped on Antarctica sent pleading email over fears his colleague might kill him

A scientist in Antarctica begs to be rescued after he fears his colleague might kill him.

At Sanae IV base, a remote South African research station on the northern tip of Antarctica, nine scientists are on a mission more than 4,000 km from their homeland.

The environment is so extreme that leaving or entering is nearly impossible for most of the year.

Given the prolonged isolation and close quarters, each scientist must undergo rigorous background checks, physical and medical assessments, and psychometric evaluations before they are cleared for the expedition. The team was set to remain on the mission until December, but that plan has now been thrown into question after some disturbing reports.

Nigel Killeen / Getty

Last week, one of the researchers sent a desperate email, claiming that a member had attacked them and was issuing death threats.

"Regrettably, his behaviour has escalated to a point that is deeply disturbing," read the email. "Specifically, he physically assaulted [X], which is a grave violation of personal safety and workplace norm. Furthermore, he threatened to kill [X], creating an environment of fear and intimidation."

The author added: "I remain deeply concerned about my own safety, constantly wondering if I might become the next victim."

According to a South African government official from the Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, the alleged threats were triggered by 'a dispute over a task the team leader wanted the team to do – a weather dependant task that required a schedule change'.

The South African man is also accused of sexually harassing another researcher. The author of the email fears their colleague's 'increasingly egregious behaviour' and called for immediate evacuation for the sake of their team's safety.

However, with the station's remote location and extreme weather conditions, a rescue mission would take at least two weeks.

"I am experiencing significant difficulty in feeling secure in his presence," the author added. Neither the author nor the accused have been named.

Dion George, South Africa's environment minister, said he would speak directly with the team to assess the situation.

"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 described. "You can imagine what it's like. It is close quarters and people do get cabin fever. It can be very disorientating."

Meanwhile, South Africa's Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) stated that the accused team member has reportedly shown 'remorse' and is 'willingly cooperative to follow any interventions that are recommended.'

The statement continued: "He has written a formal apology to the victim and is willing to verbally apologise to all members at the base."

"The department has also implemented a longer term sustained intervention process through trained professional counselling services in order to restore the relationships and build a healthy working environment."