After almost two years, the search for Mark Joris, the 72-year-old hiker from Mortsel (Antwerp Province), who disappeared without trace in September 2024 whilst on a trek in Albania, may finally be coming to an end. Last weekend, his personal belongings and remains were found on a mountainside in North Macedonia near the Albanian border. DNA tests are still ongoing, but family members and reliable sources have indicated that it is almost certainly the missing Fleming.
Mark Joris was a keen mountaineer. He set off from Peshkopi in Albania on 11 September 2024 for a trek along the High Scardus Trail, a long-distance hike through the mountainous region on the border of Albania, Kosovo and North Macedonia. On 15 September, during the 19th and final stage of the route, all trace of him was lost.
Last Saturday, during another search operation, North Macedonian border police discovered human remains and personal belongings on a steep mountainside between Black Stone (border point E33) and Lake Podgorechko. The man’s rucksack, tent and sleeping bag were also found, along a hiking boot, a cap and two mobile phones.
Although the DNA examination is still ongoing, using the IMEI number (a unique code) of one of the mobile phones found, the authorities were able to confirm that the device on the body belonged to Mark Joris.
Search by family and friends
Following his disappearance, local emergency services conducted an extensive search. Family members and friends also travelled to Albania to look for Joris. It has since emerged that, during that search, they came very close to the place where he has now been found.