Decades-Old Mystery: New Leads Emerge in the Disappearance of Maarten Visser
The 40-year-old case of Maarten Visser, an 18-year-old Dutch student who vanished in Chile in 1985, has taken a surprising turn. Investigators now believe Visser was last seen alive in Las Cascadas, a town near the Osorno volcano, and did not disappear on the volcano itself, as previously assumed. This revelation comes after renewed excavations and interrogations led by Chilean investigating judge Álvaro Mesa.
From Volcano to Village: A Shift in the Investigation
For decades, the prevailing theory was that Maarten Visser met with an accident while attempting to climb the Osorno volcano during a trip through South America. Chilean authorities initially informed his parents he had perished on the volcano. However, recent inquiries have revealed eyewitness accounts placing Visser in Las Cascadas after his visit to the volcano. This has prompted a re-evaluation of the entire case.
Pinochet Regime and Suspicions of Foul Play
The Visser family has long suspected that their son’s disappearance is linked to the regime of dictator Augusto Pinochet. Maarten was known to be “quite socially critical,” and his parents believe his views may have made him a target during a period when dissent was brutally suppressed. The family fears the disappearance was deliberately covered up.
Renewed Scrutiny and Witness Testimony
Judge Mesa ordered new excavations near the volcano in late 2025, and further digging took place recently. Alongside the physical search, investigators are actively interviewing locals and former members of the Chilean police. While former police officers have consistently denied any involvement, the renewed focus on Las Cascadas suggests investigators are exploring potential connections within the community.
Flyers have been distributed in Las Cascadas appealing for information from residents about Maarten Visser’s fate.
The Family’s Persistent Search for Answers
Maarten’s parents, Paulus and Loes Visser, aged 87 and 83 respectively, have travelled to Chile every December for years, hoping for a breakthrough. They made an exceptional trip earlier this year in response to the new developments in the investigation.
FAQ
Q: What prompted the reopening of the investigation?
A: Renewed appeals from the Visser family and the discovery of new information suggesting Maarten Visser was seen alive after visiting the Osorno volcano.
Q: What is the significance of Las Cascadas?
A: Witnesses have reported seeing Maarten Visser in Las Cascadas, a town near the Osorno volcano, after his visit to the volcano, leading investigators to focus their efforts there.
Q: Is there any evidence linking the disappearance to the Pinochet regime?
A: The Visser family believes their son’s disappearance may be connected to the political climate under the Pinochet regime, given his critical views.
Q: What are the next steps in the investigation?
A: Investigators are continuing to interview witnesses, including locals and former police officers, and are conducting further searches in the Las Cascadas area.
Did you know? The case highlights the lasting impact of political turmoil on individuals and families, even decades after the events occurred.
Pro Tip: If you have any information regarding the disappearance of Maarten Visser, please contact Chilean authorities or the Visser family’s lawyer, Francisco Bustos.
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