DNA reveals identities of 4 sailors from doomed 1845 Franklin expedition
DNA reveals identities of 4 sailors – A breakthrough in genetic research has allowed scientists to uncover the identities of four sailors from the 1845 Franklin expedition, a historic Arctic voyage that ended in tragedy. By analyzing DNA samples from the crew’s living descendants, researchers have not only confirmed the remains of key individuals but also resolved long-standing mysteries about their identities. This development marks a significant step in piecing together the final days of the ill-fated mission, which sought to chart the Northwest Passage—a critical maritime route connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans via the Arctic.
The Franklin expedition: A bold attempt to conquer the Arctic
The expedition, led by Sir John Franklin, aimed to achieve what many believed was an impossible goal: navigating the Northwest Passage. This route, stretching north of Canada’s mainland and the Arctic Circle, had captivated explorers, merchants, and naval officers for decades. Its successful mapping would have shortened trade routes between Europe and Asia, reducing the need for longer journeys through the Atlantic and Pacific. The two ships, HMS Erebus and HMS Terror, set sail with 129 crew members in 1845, carrying supplies and hopes for a swift return. However, the Arctic’s unforgiving climate soon claimed their ambitions.
By 1848, the vessels were frozen in place for nearly two years, unable to break free from the thick ice. The crew, desperate and dwindling, eventually abandoned the ships in April of that year. The remaining 105 men set out on foot, hauling sledges of supplies along the west coast of King William Island, now part of Nunavut. Despite their efforts, no one survived the ordeal. The expedition’s end was marked by the burial of only three men—those who perished during the first year—each laid to rest with small headstones.
A century of uncertainty and new hope
For over 160 years, the remains of the Franklin expedition were scattered across King William Island and the Adelaide Peninsula, leaving researchers in a quandary. Artifacts and bones were unearthed by successive teams, yet linking them to specific individuals proved elusive. The challenge lay in the fragmented nature of the remains, which were often broken or disassociated from their original context. Without clear markers, identifying the crew members became a puzzle with no obvious solution.
Recent advancements in genetic technology have changed the game. By comparing DNA extracted from skeletal remains with that of living descendants, scientists have been able to match individuals with their relatives. This method has already led to the identification of John Gregory, an engineer aboard the Erebus, and James Fitzjames, the ship’s captain. His remains showed signs of cannibalism, a grim testament to the crew’s desperation during the final months of the expedition.
Building on this success, the same research team has now identified three additional crew members from the Erebus and one from the Terror. These findings are part of a broader effort to resolve the identities of all 129 sailors, shedding light on the expedition’s fate and the factors that led to its collapse. The discovery also provides closure for families who have long sought answers about their ancestors’ lives and deaths.
Decoding the past through science and collaboration
The research, conducted by a team at Ontario’s University of Waterloo and Lakehead University, began in earnest after the Erebus was discovered in 2014 and the Terror in 2016. These shipwrecks, found in the Arctic, were unearthed using a combination of sonar technology and oral traditions shared by the Inuit community. The Inuit’s knowledge of the region proved invaluable, guiding researchers to the locations where the remains were preserved in the icy environment.
Once the sites were located, the team focused on cataloging and analyzing the artifacts and bones. For over a decade, from 2008 to 2023, Stenton and his colleagues mapped the Franklin sites using photography and lidar, a method that uses light to create detailed maps. This work, alongside the collection of remains for conservation and study, laid the groundwork for the genetic breakthroughs that followed. “We wanted to think about how we might be able to contribute to work that others had done before us,” Stenton explained. “Something that hadn’t been done was genetic analysis to see if we could identify who these men were.”
The process of genetic identification required more than just technical expertise. Researchers had to trace the lineage of the crew members, ensuring that DNA samples could be matched to direct descendants with an unbroken inheritance. This effort has been supported by the willingness of families to share their genetic data, a collaboration that has deepened our understanding of the expedition’s history. “We are trying to add more pieces to the puzzle, the genetic side of it, since it hadn’t been done before,” Stenton said. “It’s opening up a new chapter in the story of the Franklin expedition, and something that I like about this is that chapter is being written by the families of the men who never made it home.”
The legacy of a frozen journey
The Franklin expedition remains a symbol of human perseverance and the perils of the Arctic. Its story has been the subject of countless books, documentaries, and theories about the causes of the crew’s demise. While some have speculated about scurvy, starvation, and hypothermia, the DNA evidence has offered concrete insights. For instance, the identification of James Fitzjames’ remains confirmed that cannibalism was a survival strategy among the crew, a detail that had long been debated.
As more descendants contribute their DNA, researchers are gaining a clearer picture of the expedition’s final days. The team continues to investigate the remains, hoping to uncover clues about why the crew deserted the ships and what led to their ultimate fate. The work also highlights the importance of interdisciplinary approaches, blending traditional archaeological methods with modern genetics to solve historical mysteries.
“Once you get hooked by the Franklin expedition, you want to keep going back to try and find as many more pieces of the puzzle as possible that you can,” Stenton said. This dedication to uncovering the past is not just academic—it is deeply personal for those connected to the families of the lost sailors. The genetic analysis has allowed these stories to be told with greater accuracy, ensuring that the sacrifices of the Franklin crew are not forgotten.
The discovery of the Erebus and Terror wrecks in the early 2010s marked a turning point in the study of the expedition. The remains found in these locations, preserved in the frozen Arctic, have provided a treasure trove of information. Yet, the process of identification has been slow, requiring patience and persistence. The recent success in matching DNA to the remains of four sailors underscores the potential of genetic science to transform historical research.
Looking ahead, the team aims to expand their work, hoping to identify more crew members and unravel the full narrative of the Franklin expedition. The combination of archaeological discoveries and genetic analysis is bringing us closer to understanding the tragedy that claimed over 100 lives. For researchers like Stenton, this journey is not just about uncovering the past—it is about honoring the legacy of those who ventured into the unknown, driven by the dream of discovery and the hope of returning home.
