The mystery surrounding the fate of the lost Franklin Expedition in the Arctic has finally been revealed, thanks to DNA analysis. The ill-fated expedition, led by Sir John Franklin in 1845, ended in tragedy with the death of all 129 crew members. Now, after years of speculation and theories, the truth has been uncovered.
According to the DNA analysis, the remains of three crew members found on King William Island in the Canadian Arctic were positively identified as belonging to members of the Franklin Expedition. The analysis was conducted by a team of researchers from the University of Waterloo and Trent University, who used advanced technology to extract DNA from the bones and compare it to living descendants of the crew members.
The results of the analysis shed light on the final days of the expedition, which had set out to discover the Northwest Passage. It is believed that the crew members suffered from lead poisoning due to the lead solder used in their food cans. This, combined with harsh weather conditions and a lack of resources, led to their demise.
“It went horribly wrong,” said Douglas Stenton, an archaeologist and co-author of the study. “The lead poisoning would have caused a range of symptoms, including weakness, confusion, and ultimately death.”
The expedition’s ships, the HMS Erebus and HMS Terror, were abandoned in the ice and eventually sank. The crew members were forced to trek across the frozen landscape in search of help, but sadly, none of them survived.
The discovery of the remains and the DNA analysis has brought closure to the families of the crew members, who have been searching for answers for over 170 years. “It’s a relief to finally have some answers,” said Janet Ried, a descendant of one of the crew members.
The findings of the study have also provided valuable insight into the challenges faced by early explorers in the Arctic. It serves as a reminder of the bravery and sacrifices made by those who ventured into the unknown in the pursuit of knowledge.
The Franklin Expedition will forever be remembered as a tragic event in Canadian history, but thanks to modern technology and the dedication of researchers, the mystery surrounding its end has finally been solved.
