Remains of 1959 Antarctic Researcher Found and Identified After 66 Years

Dennis Bell in 1958

The remains of 25-year-old meteorologist Dennis ‘Tink’ Bell, who died on a glacier near the Antarctic Peninsula in July 1959, have been located and identified more than six decades later. Bell, who worked for a predecessor of the British Antarctic Survey (BAS), fell into a crevasse on a King George Island glacier during his assignment and was presumed lost. His remains were only recovered this year as the glacier receded.

The discovery was made on Ecology Glacier by personnel from the Henryk Arctowski Polish Antarctic Station on King George Island on January 19. DNA testing confirmed Bell’s identity using samples from his surviving siblings, David Bell and Valerie Kelly. “I had long given up on finding my brother. It is just remarkable, astonishing. I can't get over it,” David Bell, 86, said.

Alongside Bell’s remains, over 200 personal and scientific items were recovered, including radio equipment, a flashlight, ski poles, a wristwatch, a knife, and a pipe. David Bell described the moment of notification as “shocking and amazing,” praising the support of the British Antarctic Survey, the British Antarctic Monument Trust, and the Polish team for handling the recovery with sensitivity.

Dennis Bell (left) with his colleagues at Admiralty Bay Base in 1959

Bell, who grew up in London, was stationed at Admiralty Bay for a two-year assignment when the accident occurred. On the day of his death, Bell had been conducting a survey and geological work alongside surveyor Jeff Stokes. As their team ascended the glacier, Bell pressed on without skis, fell into a crevasse, and initially responded when Stokes called out. A rope was attached to the sled dogs to help pull him up, but Bell’s belt broke, and he fell again, after which Stokes received no response.

Professor Dame Jane Francis, Director of BAS, called the identification of Bell’s remains a “poignant and profound moment” that brings closure to a decades-long mystery and honors the legacy of early Antarctic science. Former colleague Russel Thomson recalled Bell’s humor and “tremendous character” during their time at the base.

David Bell and his sister plan to lay their brother to rest following the discovery. “It's wonderful, I'm going to meet my brother,” David said. “He's been found – he's come home now.”