Rishika Shahi
A shocking revelation has emerged from a recent study regarding the tragic fate of the Franklin Expedition, which set sail in 1845 to navigate the Northwest Passage. Archaeological findings and DNA analysis have confirmed that the crew members, faced with starvation after being trapped in Arctic ice for an extended period, resorted to cannibalism. Notably, they consumed the remains of their captain, James Fitzjames, highlighting the desperate measures taken for survival. This grim chapter in maritime history sheds light on the extreme conditions faced by the crew and the lengths they went to endure.
The Franklin Expedition: A Brief Overview
The Franklin Expedition embarked on its journey with high hopes of charting a navigable route through the Arctic. Led by Captain Sir John Franklin aboard HMS Erebus and HMS Terror, the mission quickly turned disastrous as both ships became icebound near King William Island. Over time, dwindling supplies and harsh conditions led to a catastrophic loss of life among the crew.
Recent archaeological studies revealed cut marks on the bones of James Fitzjames, indicating that he was consumed by his fellow sailors after his death. This discovery aligns with historical accounts from Inuit communities who encountered the survivors and reported instances of cannibalism among them. The findings underscore the dire circumstances that forced these men into such unimaginable actions.
The Role of DNA Analysis
The identification of Fitzjames’s remains was made possible through advanced DNA analysis conducted by researchers at Lakehead University and the University of Waterloo. By matching genetic material from bones found at a campsite on King William Island with living relatives, scientists were able to confirm his identity and provide insight into the tragic events that unfolded during the expedition.
“We worked with a good quality sample that allowed us to generate a Y-chromosome profile, and we were lucky enough to obtain a match,” said Stephen Fratpietro of Lakehead University’s Paleo-DNA lab.Fitzjames, a senior member, had documented the passing of commander Sir John Franklin. However, records indicate that following his death, others relied on his remnants to survive. Cut marks on his jawbone are used by researchers to suggest that they may have attempted to devour him.
So far, they have been able to positively identify two of the passengers on the doomed ship. A warrant officer who served aboard the Erebus named John Gregory was identified by some of the remains discovered in 2021. Remarkably, the Terror was discovered in 2016, but Erebus was detected in 2014.
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