This is how crazy life is for Antarctic explorers: crew member even threatened to "kill" them

Antarctica/South Africa - Researchers sent out a call for help by email last week. A colleague was harassing and threatening the crew at an Antarctic station . New details are now coming to light that shed light on what will happen to the scientists.

The team members have to cope with living together for months on end in the confined space of the research station.
The team members have to cope with living together for months on end in the confined space of the research station.  © Screenshot: facebook.com/AntarcticLegacySA

The South African Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE) gave the all-clear in an official statement. The researchers were heard individually and mediation took place between the crew members.

The troublemaker has acknowledged his mistake and asked for forgiveness from the other team members. He has also received psychological treatment since then. Despite his remorse, proceedings are to be initiated against the crew member at a later date.

According to the sender of the email, he had previously "created a climate of fear and intimidation" and even threatened to kill.

The New York Post has since revealed the individual identities of the researchers. The nine-strong team, which is currently stationed at the "SANAE-IV base", consists of three women and six men.

Under the leadership of meteorologist Mbulaheni Kelcey Maewashe, the group was to conduct research on the eternal ice of Antarctica for a good ten months.

Under the leadership of Mbulaheni Kelcey Maewashe, the nine-strong team is to spend the winter at the "SANAE IV base" and carry out various tests there.
Under the leadership of Mbulaheni Kelcey Maewashe, the nine-strong team is to spend the winter at the "SANAE IV base" and carry out various tests there.  © Screenshot: South African National Antarctic Programme

Researchers underwent rigorous examinations before the expedition

At the beginning of January, the researchers shared photos from their expeditions.
At the beginning of January, the researchers shared photos from their expeditions.  © Screenshot: facebook.com/AntarcticLegacySA

According to BILD, the researchers were supposed to grow into a strong group through team-building measures and training sessions before their expedition.

This also included a rigorous psychological test, in which mental strength in particular was required.

In the press release, the DFFE writes that it is perfectly normal for some people to go through a "difficult mental phase" shortly after arriving in the Arctic, as the unfamiliar and very barren environment affects the human psyche.

They were also assured that everything was still in order at the time of departure.

Researcher Nivek Ghazi made a horror film with colleagues

Away from research in the icy wasteland, some of the team members also have exciting hobbies. Station doctor Dr. Sihle Lawana runs her own make-up brand on the side and regularly promotes it on her Instagram channel .

Her colleague Nivek Ghazi made a horror short film entitled "Those that are lost but not forgotten" with a few members of his crew during a recent expedition to the "Film Festival of Antarctica" . The film can still be found on the Internet.