Bones of British Antarctic Researcher Found After 65 Years

Sun Oct 19 2025 09:07:09 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Dennis Bell's remains were discovered by a Polish expedition in Antarctica, deepening the historical significance of early polar research.

The remains of Dennis "Tink" Bell, a British researcher who perished in a crevasse in Antarctica in 1959, have been found 65 years later by a Polish expedition. His brother, David, expressed amazement and gratitude, reflecting on the impact of Antarctic research and the long-waited closure brought by this discovery.

The bones of a British man who died in a tragic accident in Antarctica in 1959 have been unearthed after 65 years, shedding light on the history of early polar exploration. Discovered in January by a Polish expedition, the remains, along with a wristwatch, a radio, and a pipe, were identified as belonging to Dennis "Tink" Bell. At the age of 25, Bell fell into a crevasse while working for the organization that evolved into the British Antarctic Survey.

David Bell, Dennis's brother, expressed disbelief and joy upon hearing the news about his brother's remains. "I had long given up on finding my brother. It is just remarkable, astonishing. I can't get over it," he told BBC News.

Professor Dame Jane Francis, director of the British Antarctic Survey, praised Dennis's contributions to early Antarctic science under challenging conditions, emphasizing that his memory has been preserved in the legacy of polar research.

Dennis Bell, born in 1934, was known for his adventurous spirit and was deeply inspired by Captain Robert Scott's diaries. He worked as a meteorologist and completed a two-year assignment at the Admiralty Bay UK base, aiding in the mapping of the largely uncharted King George Island.

On July 26, 1959, during a glacier survey trip, Bell fell into a crevasse, leading to desperate rescue efforts that ultimately failed. Despite attempts to pull him up using a rope, he fell again and was lost. The base camp reports from that tragic day maintained a sense of urgency and business-like demeanor in relaying the heartbreaking news.

For many years, the lack of closure haunted the Bell family, with David recalling the emotional toll on their mother. However, in recent years, David participated in a commemorative voyage organized to honor those who died in Antarctic service, which brought him some peace.

In 2023, a Polish research team from the Henryk Arctowski Station discovered fragments of Dennis's remains amidst melting ice on Ecology Glacier. These findings prompted a reassessment of the contributions made by early researchers in Antarctica.

David will soon journey to England with his sister Valerie to finally lay Dennis to rest, marking a poignant conclusion to a long chapter of loss and remembrance. "It's wonderful; I'm going to meet my brother. He's been found - he's come home now," he remarked, filled with gratitude for the efforts of the Polish scientists.