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3d ago

DNA Confirms Identity of British Meteorologist Recovered From Antarctic Glacier

Forensic testing in London finally pinpointed Bell’s identity, offering his family long-awaited closure after more than six decades.

Undated handout photo issued by British Antarctic Survey of Dennis Bell (right) christmas festivities with colleagues from Admiralty Bay Station, c.1958.
Undated handout photo issued by British Antarctic Survey of Dennis Bell (left) with his fellow colleagues and the dogs that helped them to work in Antarctica - Midwinter 1959 at Admiralty Bay Base.
Undated handout photo issued by British Antarctic Survey of Admiralty Bay Base on King George Island in 1951 where Dennis Bell was working.
Ecology Glacier on Antarctica’s King George Island in winter, where the body of Dennis “Tink” Bell was recovered

Overview

  • Denise Syndercombe Court and colleagues at King’s College London matched the recovered DNA to samples from Bell’s brother and sister, conclusively confirming the remains as those of meteorologist Dennis “Tink” Bell.
  • The bone fragments were transported aboard the BAS ship RRS Sir David Attenborough to the Falkland Islands and then flown to London under the oversight of British Antarctic Territory coroner Malcolm Simmons with RAF support.
  • Polish researchers from the Henryk Arctowski Station found the remains and more than 200 personal items, including radio equipment, ski poles, a wristwatch and a Swedish knife, at the edge of the receding Ecology Glacier.
  • A multidisciplinary team returned in February 2025 to recover additional fragments and artifacts, carefully documenting the site to prevent reburial by snow or debris.
  • Bell’s surviving family have expressed shock and amazement at the discovery and are now deciding on memorial arrangements to honor the meteorologist’s legacy.