Antarctic Scientists Ask for Rescue for 'Disturbing' Reason

Living and working in a remote part of Antarctica is dangerous. The hostile conditions are something researchers stationed there can prepare for, but fear of being attacked by one of their own? No one expected that.

A group of South African researchers studying the region's climate find themselves in that exact predicament, and that's arguably not even the worst part. The group is stationed at the Sanae IV base in Antarctica, and it takes a whopping two weeks to reach the clifftop -- if the weather conditions are bearable. That's a staggering 2,500 miles from the southernmost tip of Africa. The group still has some 10 months left at the base before anyone is scheduled to come get them, but a recent verbal dispute turned physical has the group desperately looking for help.

With little to no options, the group shot off an email begging for help. In the email, obtained by South Africa's Sunday Times, a member claimed the group is living in fear because one of the researchers on the base attacked them, constituting a threat to the entire team.

"Regrettably, [his] behavior has escalated to a point that is deeply disturbing," the emails author wrote last week. "Specifically, he physically assaulted [name withheld], which is a grave violation of personal safety and workplace norms."

It's unclear who wrote the email or who is the aggressor in the group, but now South Africa's environment minister, Dion George, is getting involved.

Related: Scientists Flee Antarctic Research Station as a 30-Mile-Long Crack Threatens Safety

"There was a verbal altercation between the team leader and this person," George said. "Then it escalated and then that person did physically assault the leader. You can imagine what it's like, it is close quarters and people do get cabin fever. It can be very disorienting."

The attack is one thing, but what's really causing alarm among the group of researchers is allegedly a very serious threat from the aggressor.

"Furthermore, he threatened to kill [name withheld], creating an environment of fear and intimidation," the email read. "I remain deeply concerned about my own safety, constantly wondering if I might become the next victim."

According to The Sunday Times, temperatures in the area can dip to 9-below zero and wind speeds can reach up to 135 miles per hour.