After almost 170 years of searching to understand the fate of English explorer Sir John Franklin’s fabled arctic voyage, a multilateral partnership from public, private and non-profit sectors, led by the Government of Canada, resulted in the finding of one of the two lost Franklin vessels, HMS Erebus, igniting worldwide attention. The combination of state-of-the-art technology with Inuit oral testimony led to the September 2014 discovery of Franklin’s flagship, thus solving one of the world’s greatest archæological mysteries.
In April 2015, the Government of Canada again conducted complementary research projects in Canada’s Arctic as part of the Department of National Defence’s (DND) annual Operation NUNALIVUT. Working in one of the world’s most remote and unforgiving environments, a unique dive expedition was led by Parks Canada to research HMS Erebus from under 2-metres of sea ice. Benefitting from the Arctic expertise of DND’s Joint Task Force (North), Parks Canada and Royal Canadian Navy divers researched the wreck from a temporary camp on the frozen surface of Queen Maud Gulf.
This collaborative effort accomplished several key objectives. Most notably the team gathered the information necessary to design future steps in the archæological research of this historic wreck. They also tested an underwater laser for documenting the hull and interior of the wreck; a technology that has the potential to rapidly produce highly accurate, three dimensional recordings under water, saving valuable research time for such a complex site with limited access.
As expected, HMS Erebus stands to reveal many artifacts on or around the wreck, each of which will help us share this fascinating story and incredible national historic site. Artifact recovery furthers archæological research and offers an opportunity to see and learn about tangible pieces of this sunken treasure to the public. During the dive, the largest artifact to be recovered was a 6‑pounder bronze cannon which was laying on the deck of the ship. A joint effort was required to lift and subsequently transport it to Parks Canada’s archæological conservation laboratory. Royal Navy ship Erebus was outfitted with cannons that would have served to protect the expedition in the event of an unsuspected attack. Other recovered artifacts, including the rectangular deck prisms and the Preston patent and composite Illuminators, illustrate the innovative design technology of the ship. Personal effects, including buttons from the jackets of members of the Royal Marines, a medicinal bottle, and plates made from fine earthenware, offer an evocative glimpse into the lives of the perished crew. Like the ship’s bell, recovered by the team in 2014, each of these artifacts will undergo a significant conservation process to ensure they are fully stabilized.
The artifacts and imagery captured during this recent expedition are showcased as a micro-exhibit at the Canadian Museum of History throughout the Victoria Day long weekend from May 14-18. Parks Canada staff will be available to meet with members of the public and to share details of the dive and provide insight regarding the artifacts. The Breaking the Ice: HMS Erebus Revealed Exhibit will also be available online on Parks Canada’s public website at www.pc.gc.ca.
The Wrecks of HMS Erebus and HMS Terror were designated together in 1992 as a National Historic Site of Canada and in April 2015, the wreck site became officially protected under the National Historic Sites of Canada Order. As a world leader in heritage conservation, the Government of Canada has the necessary policies and procedures in place to ensure the wreck is conserved, protected and presented to Canadians. As Parks Canada’s 168th national historic site, HMS Erebus and HMS Terror are part of an incredible story in the history of the exploration of Canada’s North; a story that remains alive in the minds of Canadians today.
Through outreach programs like the live dive, public displays of the stunning artifacts, and online sharing of the incredible imagery of the wreck, this national historic site will offer people from across the nation the chance to personally connect with HMS Erebus. As one of the most important and fascinating scientific and historical accomplishments in Canadian history, these efforts will be pursued with the planned Government of Canada 2015 expedition to continue the research on HMS Erebus and the continued search for her sister ship, HMS Terror.
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