The Disappearance of the Franklin Expedition’s ships (HMS Erebus and Terror)
Unraveling a Historic Arctic Mystery
The disappearance of the Franklin Expedition’s ships, HMS Erebus and HMS Terror, stands as one of the most enduring mysteries in Arctic exploration. In 1845, Sir John Franklin led 129 men from England with hopes of charting the elusive Northwest Passage. The two specially outfitted ships vanished after becoming trapped in thick Arctic ice near King William Island.
Over the years, search parties and researchers have found abandoned camps and recovered more than 350 artifacts from the lost expedition. Despite these discoveries, questions remain about the exact fate of Erebus, Terror, and their crews, drawing historians and explorers back to their icy trail. The story of the Franklin Expedition highlights both the perils of early polar exploration and the persistence of those hoping to unlock its secrets.
Background of the Franklin Expedition
The Franklin Expedition set out in 1845 with the goal of uncovering a navigable route through the Northwest Passage. It became one of the most famous lost expeditions, with meticulous preparation, experienced leaders, and specially outfitted vessels.
Purpose and Planning
The main objective of the Franklin Expedition was to chart and navigate the Northwest Passage, a sea route through the Arctic connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. By the 19th century, the British Admiralty had invested heavily in polar exploration due to potential trade benefits and the prestige of discovery.
Detailed planning involved mapping unknown lands and gathering scientific data. Supplies were secured for up to three years, and the crews were selected to include skilled sailors and officers. Special attention was given to adapting the ships for Arctic conditions, adding reinforced hulls and advanced heating systems.
The Admiralty’s support reflected the mission’s significance. The expedition was part of a broader effort to assert British naval power and complete the charting of northern Canada. The Franklin Expedition was the most advanced Arctic mission of its time, reflecting the era's spirit of exploration.
Key Figures
Sir John Franklin, a seasoned naval officer and explorer, commanded the 1845 expedition. He had previously led several Arctic ventures and was recognized for his leadership, though some questioned how well he adapted to new challenges. Franklin was 59 when he accepted command.
Supporting Franklin were experienced officers, including Captain Francis Crozier of HMS Terror and James Fitzjames of HMS Erebus. Crozier brought Arctic experience and leadership, having served on multiple polar missions. Fitzjames was a promising officer known for his strong organizational skills.
The expedition assembled a crew of 129 men. Many had prior naval experience, and several had been on previous Arctic expeditions. This leadership team was handpicked for their skills in navigation, scientific observation, and endurance under harsh conditions.
The Ships: HMS Erebus and HMS Terror
HMS Erebus and HMS Terror were former bomb vessels strengthened for Arctic exploration. Both ships had proven records in earlier polar missions, including James Clark Ross's Antarctic voyage. Their construction featured reinforced hulls and extra insulation to handle extreme cold and ice.
Key modifications included iron plating, heating systems powered by converted locomotive engines, and storage for several years' worth of provisions. Each ship was equipped with scientific instruments and libraries to support data collection and crew morale.
Table: Key Specifications (1845)
Ship Captain Tonnage Notable Features HMS Erebus James Fitzjames ~372 Iron hull, steam engine, library HMS Terror Francis Crozier ~325 Reinforced bow, extra heating
Together, Erebus and Terror represented the pinnacle of British naval engineering for polar exploration. Their advanced designs were critical to the mission’s ambitious goals.
Route and Timeline
HMS Erebus and HMS Terror set sail under Sir John Franklin to chart the Northwest Passage through the Canadian Arctic. The route they followed, key stops, and the period when their fate was sealed are crucial to understanding the expedition's mysterious disappearance.
Departure and Initial Progress
Franklin’s expedition departed England in May 1845 with 129 crew aboard Erebus and Terror. The mission aimed to complete the charting of the Northwest Passage, a shipping route that promised a shorter connection between the Atlantic and Pacific.
The ships traveled across the Atlantic, making a final resupply stop in Greenland at Disko Island. From there, they entered Baffin Bay and were sighted by whalers in late July 1845 near the entrance to Lancaster Sound.
By August 1845, the ships disappeared from European view as they moved deeper into the Canadian Arctic. Their course took them west through Lancaster Sound, toward the uncharted waters north of the American continent. Communication with the outside world ceased after this point.
Beechey Island Winter
By September 1845, Erebus and Terror reached Beechey Island, a small, desolate land at the edge of the Arctic Archipelago. Archaeological evidence and the discovery of crew graves confirm the expedition spent the winter of 1845–1846 here.
Three crewmen died during the winter, and their well-preserved graves have been found and studied. The site revealed stores and remnants that indicated the expedition was still reasonably well equipped at the end of their first Arctic winter.
Beechey Island became a landmark for later search parties, providing the first concrete evidence of the expedition's route and activities. The successful overwintering here gave way to renewed efforts to make progress the following spring.
Stalled in Victoria Strait
In the summer of 1846, Franklin’s ships left Beechey Island and sailed south through Peel Sound, entering Victoria Strait. By September, Erebus and Terror became trapped in thick sea ice along the northwest coast of King William Island.
According to records later found, the ships remained beset in the ice from September 1846. Attempts to break free failed, and the vessels drifted southwest—trapped by the harsh Arctic conditions for about 19 months.
On April 22, 1848, the ships were officially abandoned by the remaining crew, who attempted to march south toward the Canadian mainland. The impassable ice in Victoria Strait, combined with extreme cold and dwindling supplies, marked the expedition’s final, fatal delay on their pursuit of the Northwest Passage.
Circumstances Surrounding the Disappearance
The disappearance of the Franklin expedition was marked by the abandonment of HMS Erebus and HMS Terror after both ships became locked in Arctic ice near King William Island. Evidence and survivor notes indicate that extreme conditions, disease, and lack of resources severely impacted the crew's chances of survival.
Abandonment of the Ships
After becoming icebound for over a year near King William Island in Nunavut, the crews of HMS Erebus and HMS Terror left their ships in April 1848. A written message later found detailed that 24 men, including Sir John Franklin, had died by this point.
The remaining 105 men attempted a desperate trek towards the Canadian mainland. They left behind most of their equipment, suggesting a hasty evacuation under dire circumstances. Supplies and personal belongings discovered along their route show that the crew likely prioritized survival over returning to the ships.
Challenges Faced by the Crew
The men faced several life-threatening challenges, including exposure to extreme cold and scurvy, which was common among Arctic expeditions due to a lack of fresh food. There is strong evidence that many also suffered from lead poisoning, possibly from poorly soldered food tins or the ships' water systems.
Malnutrition was another critical issue. As provisions ran out, the crew had to rely on limited and unfamiliar resources, making their situation more precarious. Descriptions from Inuit witnesses and later analyses of remains suggest that starvation and illness quickly took a toll on the survivors.
Last Known Locations
The last confirmed position of the ships was off the northwest coast of King William Island. Rescue parties later found abandoned equipment, personal items, and skeletal remains following a route leading south toward Back River.
Notes left under cairns on the island recorded dates and events up to April 1848. Reports from Inuit in the area provided clues about possible sightings of men pulling sledges, but no survivors were ever found. The remains of HMS Erebus and HMS Terror were only discovered in 2014 and 2016, respectively, in waters near Nunavut.
Inuit Oral History and Eyewitness Accounts
Inuit oral history provided direct accounts of the fate of HMS Erebus and HMS Terror and offered vital clues to later searchers. Testimonies, the work of historians like Louie Kamookak, and local artifact discoveries all played significant roles in unraveling details about Franklin's lost ships.
Testimonies Collected by Searchers
Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, British and Canadian searchers documented Inuit accounts about encounters with Franklin’s expedition and the ships. Many Inuit described seeing ships trapped in the ice, and some even reported entering the vessels. These testimonies included references to locations and seasons, such as a ship sinking after being trapped over the winter.
Notably, Inuit provided detailed observations of found artifacts, such as metal, wood, and personal items from the crew. Their descriptions enabled explorers to map possible locations of the wrecks. Louie Kamookak, a well-known Inuit historian, helped compile these accounts and highlight their accuracy. Lists of artifacts discovered by Inuit included dinnerware, tools, and even pieces of the ships’ structure.
Interpretation and Impact on Search Efforts
Inuit oral history directly influenced the modern search for HMS Erebus and Terror. Researchers analyzed these accounts alongside Western techniques, using them to narrow down search areas in the Arctic. The rediscovery of Erebus in 2014 and Terror in 2016 closely matched locations described in oral testimonies.
The successful findings validated the reliability of Inuit knowledge. Search leaders recognized that Inuit stories often contained precise details about geography and events, unlike many written European reports of the era. This collaboration bridged traditional knowledge and scientific investigation, allowing for a more accurate reconstruction of the final days of Franklin’s lost ships.
Discovery and Investigation of HMS Erebus and HMS Terror
The search for HMS Erebus and HMS Terror combined modern science, collaboration, and persistence. Researchers used advanced technology and international partnerships to locate and study the shipwrecks after decades of mystery.
Parks Canada Expeditions
Parks Canada took a leading role in the search, beginning dedicated expeditions in the late 2000s. Teams from the agency navigated the Arctic, conducting surveys using advanced equipment and refined historical maps.
In 2014, Parks Canada’s underwater archaeology team located the wreck of HMS Erebus in Wilmot and Crampton Bay. Two years later, HMS Terror was discovered in Terror Bay, thanks to continued efforts and targeted search planning.
Surveys focused on areas based on Inuit oral histories, historical charts, and previous expedition records. Parks Canada coordinated with other organizations, such as the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, to support fieldwork and utilize the best available resources.
Role of the Arctic Research Foundation
The Arctic Research Foundation played a vital part in the shipwreck discoveries. The organization provided the research vessel Martin Bergmann, which served as a platform for search operations and logistics.
In 2016, the foundation’s crew and local Inuit from Gjoa Haven were instrumental in the identification of HMS Terror. Their input, including oral reports from Inuit hunters, directed attention to an area off King William Island that had previously been overlooked.
Close cooperation between the Arctic Research Foundation and Parks Canada enabled rapid field deployment and allowed the transfer of necessary equipment and personnel. The foundation’s continued support fostered a collaborative environment essential to the mission’s success.
Underwater Archaeology Techniques
Teams used a range of underwater archaeology techniques to find and study the shipwrecks. Side-scan sonar and multi-beam sonar were crucial for mapping the seafloor and detecting anomalies resembling ship structures.
Once targets were identified, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) carried cameras and lights to capture high-resolution images of the remains. Archaeologists also used 3D photogrammetry to document artifacts and create accurate site charts.
Careful excavation and conservation protocols preserved fragile woodwork and objects. Findings from the wreck sites have been catalogued and studied to reconstruct events and understand the living conditions aboard HMS Erebus and HMS Terror.
Key Findings and Artifacts
The discoveries of HMS Erebus and HMS Terror in the Canadian Arctic provided direct evidence of the Franklin Expedition's final days. Artifacts and ship remains have revealed crucial details about the crew’s survival efforts and the challenges they faced.
Notable Artifacts Recovered
Many artifacts were recovered from the wrecks and nearby sites, helping researchers piece together the expedition’s daily life and desperate final months. Important items include clothing fragments, personal effects, navigational charts, ship’s fittings, metal utensils, and preserved cans of food.
Charts and logbooks are among the most valuable discoveries, offering rare documentation of the journey and attempts at escape. Tools, such as compasses and sextants, illustrate how the crew tried to maintain navigation despite worsening conditions.
Remnants of boots, buttons, and bespoke officer’s equipment show the contrast between standard-issue and personalized items. Such artifacts have been crucial in confirming the identity of the wrecks and linking them directly to the recorded fate of Franklin’s crew.
Impact on Understanding the Expedition's Fate
The recovered artifacts have transformed historians’ understanding of what happened to the Franklin Expedition. Items such as medicine bottles, food tins with lead solder, and makeshift tools point to health crises—especially lead poisoning and scurvy.
Evidence from crew remains and objects supports accounts of an orderly but desperate attempt to escape after the ships became icebound. Historians like John Geiger have highlighted how simple items, such as modified sledges and abandoned lifeboats, show the crew’s attempts to transport supplies across the ice.
Analysis of journals and charts has helped date key events and trace the shifting movements of the crew. The findings have resolved some questions about the expedition while raising new ones about decision-making and survival strategies in extreme conditions.
Theories Explaining the Tragedy
Researchers and historians have considered several explanations for the disappearance of HMS Erebus and HMS Terror. Key factors include the harsh Arctic environment, inadequate health and nutrition, and troubling evidence of extreme survival measures.
Environmental Conditions in the Arctic
The Arctic climate is notorious for its unpredictable extremes. The Franklin expedition faced thick sea ice, which trapped both ships and severely restricted movement.
Temperatures often dropped well below freezing, leading to ice buildup on decks and hulls. Poor visibility and impassable routes made rescue or escape nearly impossible.
Winds and shifting ice floes may have physically damaged the ships. A lack of reliable maps of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago exposed the crew to additional navigational hazards.
This environment prolonged entrapment and cut off the expedition from outside support for years at a time. These factors increased the risk of cold injuries and ultimately contributed to loss of life.
Health and Nutrition Issues
Franklin’s crew was provisioned with large amounts of tinned food, which at the time was a recent innovation. Poor soldering and contamination sometimes resulted in lead leaching into their supplies.
Symptoms consistent with lead poisoning—including confusion, fatigue, and gastrointestinal distress—were reported in recovered remains and are frequently cited as factors in deaths. Lead levels in bones and hair from some of the men were significantly elevated.
Scurvy was another major concern. Despite efforts to provide lemon juice to prevent the disease, vitamin C breaks down over time, rendering preserved rations less effective. Scurvy caused bleeding, tooth loss, and impaired healing, making survival in harsh conditions more difficult.
The cascading effect of malnutrition, poisoning, and disease left the crew increasingly less able to cope with environmental challenges.
Speculation on Cannibalism
Archaeological evidence found on King William Island and nearby sites includes cut marks on bones, consistent with defleshing. Forensic testing and eyewitness Inuit accounts suggest at least some crew members resorted to cannibalism as starvation set in.
Researchers have debated whether cannibalism was widespread or isolated, but the physical evidence is strong. Inuit oral histories describe encounters with desperate survivors and the presence of human remains at abandoned campsites.
This taboo topic has been met with skepticism historically. However, modern scientific analysis largely supports that limited cannibalism did occur, reflecting the extreme and life-threatening conditions faced by the last members of the expedition.
Legacy of the Franklin Expedition
The disappearance of HMS Erebus and HMS Terror had a significant effect on Arctic exploration and scientific understanding. Decades of follow-up searches resulted in new discoveries and shaped how polar research is conducted today.
Influence on Arctic Exploration
The loss of the Franklin expedition prompted numerous search missions, which mapped vast areas of the Canadian Arctic for the first time. British and international expeditions between the 1840s and late 1800s documented coastlines, islands, and sea routes, adding detail to Arctic charts.
Many technological and logistical advances in polar travel were developed as a direct result of these searches. For example:
Sledge and boat design improved for over-ice rescue missions
Provisions and cold-weather clothing saw significant innovation
The story attracted sustained public and government interest, shaping future naval and scientific ventures in the region. The fate of Erebus and Terror became central to 19th-century Arctic lore, influencing both policy and literature in Britain and beyond.
Modern Research and Ongoing Impact
Modern investigations—especially since the discoveries of the wrecks in 2014 and 2016—have shed new light on the final days of the crews. The Arctic Research Foundation and Parks Canada played key roles in these efforts, leading underwater surveys and coordinating research logistics.
Scientific teams now use advanced sonar and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to document the shipwrecks. Multidisciplinary studies examine artifacts, human remains, and environmental data to reconstruct the expedition’s last months.
The Franklin story continues to guide contemporary Arctic research. It highlights the importance of Indigenous knowledge and collaboration, as Inuit oral histories helped direct many searches. The expedition’s legacy lives on in ongoing studies of climate, culture, and navigation in the extreme polar environment.
