A member of a South African research team stationed at an isolated Antarctic base is under scrutiny following accusations of physical assault and sexual harassment, according to government officials.

The Sunday Times first reported the situation at the SANAE IV base, citing an email from a team member to authorities seeking assistance.

The email detailed an alleged attack by the individual on the base leader, along with a death threat, describing the behavior as “escalated to a point that is deeply disturbing.” The team member also expressed concerns for their safety, stating they were “deeply concerned about my own safety” and “constantly wondering if I might become the next victim.”

South Africa’s Ministry of Environment, the department responsible for overseeing the research missions, addressed the report with a statement on Monday night.

The ministry stated that the alleged assault was reported on Feb. 27. Officials and counselors conducted remote interventions “to mediate and restore relationships at the base,” communicating with the nine team members almost daily.

“The alleged perpetrator has willingly participated in further psychological evaluation, has shown remorse and is willingly cooperative,” the ministry stated, also noting he had provided a formal apology to the alleged assault victim.

The investigation is also reviewing allegations of sexual harassment, though the ministry clarified that reports of were false. The identities of the team members involved were not disclosed, and officials stated that none of the incidents necessitated the return of any team member to Cape Town.

Digital contacted South Africa’s Ministry of Environment seeking further information regarding the circumstances surrounding the alleged physical assault but has not yet received a response.

The team, which includes arrived at the remote base on Feb. 1 and is scheduled to remain there for approximately 13 months, officials said.

The base is situated on a cliff in Queen Maud Land, surrounded by a glacial ice sheet, located over 2,485 miles from South Africa.

The team will face the challenges of living in close proximity throughout the harsh Antarctic winter, which brings six months of darkness starting in June.

The ministry stated that each team member undergoes thorough evaluations, encompassing psychological and medical assessments, to ensure their ability to handle the “extreme nature of the environment in Antarctica.”

“Even though all of the assessments and evaluations show no areas of concern, it is not uncommon that once individuals arrive at the extremely remote areas where the scientific bases are located, an initial adjustment to the environment is required,” the ministry said.