After a team member was accused of assault, a group of scientists who had been scheduled to collaborate for months at a remote Antarctic research outpost were shaken.
The South African-run facility, which is challenging to get to and is located approximately 170 kilometers (105 miles) from the ice shelf’s edge, usually houses about 10 researchers.
However, after earlier claims of inappropriate behavior from inside the camp, a South African government spokeswoman informed the news that “there was an assault” at the station.
The South African Environment Ministry responded to the concerns with “utmost urgency” in a follow-up communication that was reported by the media.