Scientists working at the SANAE IV base in Antarctica have reported being attacked and threatened with death by a team member they say is mentally unstable.

Researchers stationed at a remote research base in Antarctica have requested assistance, claiming they have been subjected to an attack and death threats by a team member they believe is not in a sound state of mind. The incident at the SANAE IV base, brought to light by South Africa’s Sunday Times newspaper, began last month when a team member reportedly sent an email to authorities detailing an attack by a male team member on the base leader that involved threats. The email shared by the newspaper describes the escalating behavior as “very disturbing. My concern for my safety remains, and I’m constantly wondering if I will be the next victim.”

The report alleges that the suspect made death threats and accused a team member of sexually assaulting another in the email, calling for urgent action to ensure the safety of both themselves and all workers.

TEAM OF 9 RESEARCHERS OPERATING BBC reports that a team of 9 researchers, managed by the South African National Antarctic Program and operated under the auspices of the South African National Antarctic Expedition, was to spend the winter at SANAE IV. The base is located approximately 170 kilometers from the edge of the Antarctic ice shelf and over 4,000 kilometers from South Africa. The average temperature at the base drops to minus 23 degrees in the winter months, with wind speeds sometimes exceeding 200 kilometers per hour.

The South African Department of Environment, Forestry, and Fisheries, which oversees research missions, stated on Monday that the attack on the base leader was reported on February 27, with authorities and consultants intervening remotely to “mediate at the base and rebuild relationships.” They also mentioned they have been in almost daily contact with team members. The department stated, “The perpetrator has voluntarily participated in further psychological evaluations, expressed remorse, and voluntarily cooperated.” The allegations are still under investigation.