The Missing Persons Team of the police in The Hague, in collaboration with the municipality of Katwijk and the Netherlands Forensic Institute (NFI), has carried out an exhumation. The body of the unknown man has been exhumed from the nameless grave at the Duinrust cemetery in Katwijk to secure the DNA profile.
Comparing Profiles
The profile has been searched in (inter)national databases for the name of the unknown deceased. This was done by comparing the profile with profiles in the DNA database for missing persons. A match was sought in the characteristics of persons previously reported missing and in relatives of missing persons with a profile in the DNA database.
So far, no match has been found based on the DNA profile of this drowning victim. However, with the advent of the international database I-Familia, there is a greater chance of identification in the future through relatives abroad. New DNA profiles can be added in the future, potentially resulting in a match. This way, it may become clear who this unknown deceased is, especially for the bereaved.
Dignified Resting Place
To give the drowning victim a dignified resting place, the unknown man has been given a spot at the Duinrust cemetery. In the presence of Alderman Knap and staff from the municipality and the police, a private ceremony took place.
If identification occurs in the future, the bereaved can, if desired, create their own definitive resting place for him.
