Sailors from doomed Arctic mission with no survivors identified by DNA

Sailors from doomed Arctic mission – Researchers have successfully identified the remains of three sailors who perished on the ill-fated Arctic expedition led by Sir John Franklin. Using advanced DNA analysis, they have matched genetic material from the wreckage of the HMS Erebus with living descendants, allowing for a deeper connection to the men who vanished over 170 years ago. This breakthrough comes after decades of mystery surrounding the 1845 voyage, which ended in tragedy when the ship became trapped in ice and no survivors were ever found.

A century of uncertainty and discovery

The HMS Erebus, launched in 1826 from Pembroke Dock, was originally designed as a bombship—a type of vessel built to endure the force of heavy artillery. Though compact in size, its robust construction made it an ideal candidate for polar exploration. The ship, alongside its sister vessel HMS Terror, embarked on a mission to chart the Northwest Passage, a legendary sea route connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans through the Arctic seas of northern Canada. The expedition aimed to advance British maritime dominance and uncover the region’s secrets, but it would instead become a symbol of human endurance and despair.

After setting sail in 1845, the Franklin Expedition encountered unprecedented challenges in 1846 when both ships were immobilized by thick ice in the icy waters of the Arctic. With no way to move, the crew faced a grim reality: their survival depended on their ability to trek across the frozen expanse toward the open sea. Despite their efforts, 24 crew members died before the expedition’s final days, and the remaining 105 were left to battle the elements in -20°C temperatures, hauling sleds laden with supplies. The ultimate fate of the ships and their crews remained unknown until 2014, when the wreck of Erebus was discovered in the Arctic, finally resolving a mystery that had captivated historians for centuries.

Forensic breakthroughs and familial ties

The identification of the three sailors—Able Seaman William Orren, cabin boy David Young, and steward John Bridgens—marks a significant step in unraveling the ship’s final chapter. Dr. Douglas Stenton, a researcher from the University of Waterloo, has been instrumental in this process. His team has not only matched DNA from the remains to living descendants but has also reached out to 130 families across seven countries, providing closure to generations who had never known the fate of their ancestors.

“We can’t imagine that all 105 of those men were healthy enough to pull those very heavy sleds. They were almost 30 kilometres from shore, so the ability to get fresh food wasn’t plentiful,” said Dr. Stenton. “Something went seriously wrong. Was it lead poisoning? Was it scurvy? Was it beriberi (disease)? We don’t know exactly.”

Previous investigations, including a study conducted by Dr. Anne Keenleyside, Dr. Stenton’s late colleague, had already uncovered evidence of cannibalism on some of the crew’s remains. This grim detail added to the enigma of the Franklin Expedition, which remains one of the most studied disasters in maritime history. However, the latest DNA analysis has shed light on specific individuals, allowing their families to reclaim their stories.

The identification of Harry Peglar, a captain from HMS Terror, further enriches the narrative. His remains showed no signs of cannibalism, a contrast to the other sailors who had resorted to eating their dead comrades to survive. Dr. Stenton emphasized the emotional weight of this discovery: “The families of the modern-day descendants don’t really have much information about what happened to them. I think it’s very fitting that the descendants of the men who never made it home are helping to write this new chapter about the expedition.”

Artifacts and the legacy of the voyage

Alongside the human remains, researchers have also uncovered previously unseen artifacts from the wreck, offering a tangible link to the past. These rare items, including a bowl and a boot worn by an officer, will be displayed for the first time at Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre. The artifacts, loaned by the Royal Navy Museum, are considered invaluable due to their historical significance and the delicate nature of their preservation.

Tim Payne, a trustee of the heritage centre, highlighted the importance of proper conservation for the exhibition: “We’ve had to purchase a hermetically sealed case, which makes sure the humidity is correct because they are very delicate. To have things like a shoe worn by an officer on board HMS Erebus is incredible.” The display aims to immerse visitors in the expedition’s story, blending historical context with personal narratives.

The new exhibition, opening on 8 June, will coincide with the 200th anniversary of Erebus’s launch from the Pembroke Dock shipyard. This timing underscores the vessel’s enduring legacy, both as a physical object and as a symbol of exploration. Four descendants of the crew, including a relative of Captain Franklin and a family member of David Young, will attend the exhibition launch. One of these descendants, a local supporter, has loaned their family’s Arctic Medal, which will be featured among the artifacts. This gesture reinforces the connection between the past and present, as the descendants honor their ancestors’ contributions to history.

The process of identifying the sailors has involved meticulous work, including analyzing bones, DNA samples, and historical records. The findings have not only provided closure for families but also deepened the understanding of the challenges the crew faced. Dr. Stenton noted that the combination of forensic facial reconstructions and DNA analysis has brought the sailors’ stories to life. “When you combine the forensic facial reconstructions… with the DNA work, I think it brings people into the story in a way that they can relate to it. The general public certainly, but also the family members,” he explained.

The discovery of the wreck in 2014 was a pivotal moment in the Franklin Expedition’s history. It allowed scientists to examine the ship’s condition, uncovering clues about the disaster that claimed all 128 crew members. The DNA analysis, which relies on matching genetic markers from the remains to living relatives, has proven to be a groundbreaking method in piecing together the ship’s final days. This approach has not only identified specific individuals but also revealed new insights into the causes of their demise, whether from disease, malnutrition, or other factors.

The exhibition at Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre serves as a tribute to the sailors and their harrowing journey. It includes a selection of artifacts that highlight the daily lives of the crew, from their tools and clothing to their personal items. The inclusion of a bowl and dinner plate, along with a boot and belt buckle, offers a glimpse into the crew’s routines and the hardships they endured. These objects, once used by the men who perished, now stand as testaments to their courage and the mysteries of the Arctic.

The Franklin Expedition remains a poignant reminder of the risks associated with exploration. While the ships were state-of-the-art for their time, the Arctic’s unforgiving conditions proved too much. The DNA identification of the three sailors has provided a rare opportunity to connect with the past, offering a sense of continuity between the 19th century and the modern day. As the exhibition opens, it invites visitors to reflect on the legacy of the expedition and the enduring human spirit that drove men into the unknown, even as they faced certain doom.