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Recent advancements in genetic testing have led researchers to successfully identify the remains of four sailors from the ill-fated Franklin Expedition, which embarked on its ill-fated journey from England in May 1845. This expedition, led by Sir John Franklin, aimed to discover the elusive Northwest Passage but met a tragic fate in the Canadian Arctic. The identification of these remains represents a significant milestone in a long-term project dedicated to uncovering the stories of those who perished.
Discovering the Past Through DNA
Researchers from the University of Waterloo, Dr. Douglas Stenton and Dr. Robert Park, announced the exciting development on Wednesday. Genetic material extracted from the bones and teeth of approximately 23 individuals linked to the expedition has yielded four positive identifications, correlating with DNA samples provided by living descendants. “We didn’t know exactly what we were going to find,” remarked Dr. Stenton, who also served as the former heritage director for the Government of Nunavut. He added that pinpointing the locations of these men’s deaths could illuminate the events surrounding the expedition’s demise.
This research builds upon previous successes, with Stenton and Park having identified two other expedition members through similar methods, bringing the total to six identified sailors. Their findings are documented in studies published in the *Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports* and *The Polar Record*, continuing their ongoing investigation into the fate of the Franklin Expedition crew.
The Journey of the Franklin Expedition
The Franklin Expedition consisted of 129 officers and crew members who set sail from Disko Bay, Greenland, in July 1845, aboard two ships, HMS Terror and HMS Erebus. After a winter spent on Beechy Island, where three crew members perished and were buried, the expedition found itself trapped in ice in Victoria Strait by September 1846. Over the next year and a half, the crew faced dire conditions, with Franklin himself among those who succumbed to the harsh Arctic environment. By April 1848, the remaining 105 survivors were forced to abandon their ships and attempt a perilous overland journey.
Since then, human remains believed to belong to expedition members have been discovered on King William Island and the Adelaide Peninsula in Nunavut. Over the years, the mystery surrounding the fate of these sailors has captivated historians and researchers alike.
The Role of Genetic Genealogy
The recent breakthroughs can largely be attributed to Kaitlyn Gorsalitz, an amateur genealogist from Saskatoon. Her quest to trace the descendants of Franklin Expedition members began in 2024, ultimately leading to a connection with David Young, a ship’s boy on the Erebus. Gorsalitz’s investigations also resolved a long-standing mystery regarding the remains of Harry Peglar, a petty officer on the Terror, whose body was discovered in 1859 under questionable circumstances.
The successful identification of Peglar and other sailors, such as John Bridgens and William Orren, was made possible through meticulous genealogical research, focusing on both maternal and paternal lines. Rich Preston, a BBC journalist who provided DNA samples through his family ties to Bridgens, expressed surprise at the connection, stating, “To be honest, I kind of forgot about it until I heard back from the team saying we’ve got a match.”
Unveiling the Mystery of the Franklin Expedition
While genetic testing has shed light on the identities of these sailors, the findings also raise intriguing questions. None of the identified remains showed signs of cannibalism, which has been associated with some other Franklin Expedition artifacts. Preston reflected on the implications of this discovery, pondering whether his ancestor was among those who resorted to cannibalism for survival during their ordeal.
John Geiger, CEO of The Royal Canadian Geographical Society, highlighted the significance of these findings, stating they not only
