The statement comes after a member of the team at the SANAE IV (South African National Antarctic Expedition) base wrote an email—published by South Africa’s Sunday Times—in which they accused a man of attacking the team’s leader on February 27.

“His behavior has escalated to a point that is deeply disturbing,” the author wrote in the email, per CNN, citing the Times. “I remain deeply concerned about my own safety, constantly wondering if I might become the next victim.”

The identities of the alleged perpetrator nor of the person who wrote the email have been identified.

The DFFE also noted “an alleged sexual harassment is also being investigated” at the base, but that any reports of sexual assault “are not correct.”

The team of nine scientists headed to Antarctica on Feb. 1 and are scheduled to remain at the base for 13 months.

In its statement, the DFFE acknowledged, per People, that even if prior "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 ultimate goal,” the department noted, “would be that all at the SANAE IV are safe and healthy, working together as a team to advance the very important work they are performing in Antarctica.”