Fell into a crevasse Remains of researcher found in Antarctica - after 66 years
Special find: 66 years ago, a British meteorologist fell into a crevasse in the Antarctic and died. He could not be found for decades. Now there is clarity.
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- The remains of British meteorologist Dennis "Tink" Bell have been found in Antarctica after 66 years.
- Bell fell into a crevasse on King George Island in 1959 when he and three colleagues were climbing a glacier to carry out geological work.
- The remains have now been found by a team of Polish researchers among rocks exposed by the melting of the glacier.
- A DNA test at King's College London finally showed that the fragments found matched samples from Bell's brother and sister.
After 66 years, the remains of a British meteorologist have been found in a melting glacier in the Antarctic.
A team of Polish researchers discovered the remains of the then 25-year-old Dennis "Tink" Bell in January among rocks exposed by the melting of the glacier, according to the British Antarctic Survey (BAS), a polar research institute. The bone fragments were then brought to London.
Fall into crevasse
A DNA test at King's College in London showed that the fragments found matched samples from Bell's brother and sister.
The meteorologist reportedly fell into a crevasse on King George Island in July 1959 when he and three colleagues were climbing a glacier to carry out geological work.
"Dennis was my hero"
The director of the institute, Jane Francis, spoke of a "poignant and significant" moment. "This find brings clarity to a decades-old mystery and reminds us of the human stories hidden in the history of Antarctic exploration."
Bell's older brother David, who now lives in Australia, said he was "shocked and amazed" by the discovery. "Dennis was the eldest of three siblings and my hero because he seemed to be able to cope with everything."
With material from dpa and afp.
