Remains of Japanese climbers missing for 45 years found on Matterhorn

SION, Switzerland, Aug. 6 (UPI) -- Remains found at the base of the Matterhorn in the Swiss Alps were confirmed to belong to two Japanese climbers who went missing 45 years ago, police said Thursday.

The bones were found in September at the foot of the Matterhorn glacier at an altitude of about 9,200 feet, Valais Canton police said in a news release.

Investigators were able to positively match DNA from the remains to living family members of the climbers in Japan.

The two climbers, whose names were not released, were first reported missing Aug. 18, 1970, shortly after they began their ascent of the mountain.

The police said as more glaciers retreat in the mountains, the remains of people missing for decades can be found. Officials there keep a list of climbers who have been missing since 1925.