Antarctica Scientists React to Colleague’s Alleged Attack

Tensions are freezing over.

A group of nine scientists from South Africa currently stationed on an isolated base in Antarctica will remain despite an alleged altercation during which one team member may have physically assaulted and threatened to kill another at the base.

According to a statement from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) obtained by People, the department has confirmed “there were no incidents that required any of the nine overwintering team members to be brought back to Cape Town.”

E! News has reached out to the DFFE for comment but has not yet heard back. 

“The alleged perpetrator,” the statement continued, “has willingly participated in further psychological evaluation, has shown remorse and is willingly cooperative to follow any interventions that are recommended. He has written a formal apology to the victim and is willing to verbally apologize to all members at the base.”

The DFFE also noted in its statement it has implemented counseling services to “restore the relationships and build a healthy working environment” and activated a process to “deal with the matter as it relates to the alleged physical assault.”