The remains of a British man who died in an Antarctic accident in 1959 have been discovered in a melting glacier. Dennis “Tink” Bell fell into a crevasse while working for the British Antarctic Survey and was not found until January, when his bones were located by a Polish team near their base.
Bell’s personal effects, including ski poles, a pipe, and an inscribed watch, were also found with the human remains. DNA testing confirmed that the remains belonged to Bell, who had been missing for 66 years. His family has been notified of the discovery, which they said was both poignant and profound.
The British Antarctic Survey and Monument Trust helped facilitate the recovery of Bell’s body, and his brother David described him as a “brilliant” and adventurous person who loved exploring new things and pursuing his interests. The discovery highlights the risks faced by scientists in Antarctica and sheds light on the sacrifices made during the early years of exploration.
Bell was conducting a survey and geological work at the time of his accident, alongside three other researchers. He had joined the British Antarctic Survey as a meteorologist in 1958 after working for the Royal Air Force. The discovery of Bell’s remains is seen as a poignant moment, confirming the fate of a man who was lost to the public eye for nearly seven decades.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/11/melting-antarctic-glacier-reveals-remains-of-briton-who-died-in-1959-accident