The British Antarctic Survey (BAS) recently announced the discovery of the remains of Dennis “Tink” Bell, a meteorologist who went missing 66 years ago. At just 25 years old, Bell vanished while conducting research in Antarctica. Although his remains were recovered earlier this year, formal identification was made only recently. The news was deeply emotional for his family, particularly for his brother, David Bell, who expressed astonishment at the find, having long since given up hope of ever locating him. David recalled the painful moment when he received the telegraph about his brother’s tragic fate, describing it as “horrendous.”
The identification of Bell’s remains was carried out using DNA samples from his siblings, David and Valerie Kelly. Forensic geneticist Professor Denise Syndercombe Court confirmed the connection with a certainty of “more than one million times” greater than chance. Bell’s journey began after he completed his education; he served in the Royal Air Force as a radio operator before joining the Falkland Islands Dependencies Survey (FIDS) in 1958 as a meteorologist. This career path eventually led him to a research mission in Antarctica.
On July 26, 1959, Bell, along with three colleagues and two dog sleds, set out to explore a glacier. Their objective was to survey a nearby ice plateau for geological research. The group split into pairs, with Bell accompanied by surveyor Jeff Stokes. A crucial twist occurred when Bell, seeking to motivate the sled dogs, ran ahead but did so without his skis. His fall into a crevasse ultimately changed the course of the expedition and led to a prolonged and fruitless search for his remains.
Stokes, who was with Bell, reportedly called down to him after the fall, and after some exchange, attempted to rescue him. Tragically, Bell made a critical error by tying the rescue rope to his belt instead of around his body; when his belt broke, he plunged deeper into the crevasse. Despite the team’s efforts to rescue him, deteriorating weather conditions thwarted their attempts. After approximately 12 hours, they recognized that Bell had not survived the accident.
The legacy of Dennis Bell extended beyond his tragic fate; he was remembered as a brave member of the FIDS team who contributed significantly to early Antarctic science and exploration. BAS Director Professor Dame Jane Francis remarked on the importance of understanding the human stories intertwined with the history of Antarctic research. With the recovery of Bell’s remains, the BAS aims to provide closure to this decades-long mystery for his family and highlight the enduring impact of these early explorers.
Following the discovery, Bell’s remains were transported back to the Falkland Islands on the BAS Royal Research Ship Sir David Attenborough. They were subsequently handed over to His Majesty’s Coroner for the British Antarctic Territory, Malcolm Simmons, before being sent to London. This process not only fulfills a significant personal conclusion for the Bell family but also marks an important chapter in the ongoing narrative of polar exploration.
