Decades After They Vanished, Two Climbers Have Finally Been Found

Melting glaciers are more frequently exposing the remains of individuals who went missing decades ago. Such was the case recently in the Swiss Alps when the bodies of two Belgian climbers were recovered. Here is a look at this decades-old mystery and how it was finally solved.

Retreating Glaciers Reveal Human Remains

Authorities in Switzerland have confirmed that the bodies of two mountain climbers who went missing in the Swiss Alps over 30 years ago have finally been recovered. Law enforcement officials in the southwestern Valais region keep a records database of missing people over the last century, helping authorities to match up the bodies with the believed missing climbers.

A hiker came upon the human remains in July while exploring an area south of the city of Lucerne. The remains were exposed as a result of the natural retreat of the Trift glacier.

The discovery triggered a formal recovery operation led by the regional government. DNA analysis performed at a hospital in Valais was able to determine that the remains belonged to two Belgian hikers who disappeared near the Weissmies peak. The remains were found dozens of kilometers from the spot where they were believed to have last been seen.

The two hikers, aged 39 and 41 at the time of their disappearance, went missing in 1992.