Identification of Sailors from HMS Erebus Arctic Expedition
The remains of sailors who perished during a doomed Arctic expedition have been identified through DNA analysis conducted by researchers.
The HMS Erebus, a Victorian-era ship constructed in Pembroke Dock in 1826, became part of maritime history after it disappeared in the mid-19th century.
All crew members aboard died after the vessel became trapped in ice, with some survivors resorting to cannibalism in desperate attempts to endure the harsh conditions.
Researchers at the University of Waterloo in Canada have now identified three sailors from the ship and have contacted their living descendants.
Additionally, previously unseen artefacts recovered from the wreck—including a bowl and an officer's boot—are set to be exhibited at the Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre.
What was HMS Erebus?
HMS Erebus, under the command of Sir John Franklin, embarked on its voyage in 1845.
Alongside HMS Terror, it was tasked with exploring the Northwest Passage, a sought-after sea route connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans through the Arctic seas north of Canada.
Sir John Franklin and 128 seafarers aimed to discover this elusive passage.
Tragedy ensued when both ships became immobilized by ice in 1846 amid freezing temperatures.
After being trapped for two years, with 24 crew members deceased, 105 survivors attempted to escape by trekking across the frozen sea, hauling heavy sleds in temperatures around -20°C.
None survived, and the precise fate of HMS Erebus remained a mystery until its wreck was located in 2014 in the icy waters of northern Canada.
Dr Douglas Stenton of the University of Waterloo, who has led excavations of the sailors' remains, described the dire conditions they faced.
"We can't imagine that all 105 of those men were healthy enough to pull those very heavy sleds. They were almost 30 kilometres (19 miles) from shore, so the ability to get fresh food wasn't plentiful.
"Something went seriously wrong. Was it lead poisoning? Was it scurvy? Was it beriberi (disease)? We don't know exactly."
A prior study of over 400 bones, conducted by Dr Stenton's late colleague Dr Anne Keenleyside, revealed evidence of cannibalism among some of the remains.
'A path to their deaths'
Recent research by the university has matched DNA from the remains to living descendants, establishing contact with 130 families across seven countries.
This has enabled the identification of three additional crew members from Erebus: Able Seaman William Orren, cabin boy David Young, and steward John Bridgens.
Additionally, Harry Peglar, a captain from HMS Terror, has been identified.
There was no evidence of cannibalism on the remains of these identified individuals.
Dr Stenton reflected on the sailors' fate as they left their ships:
"They stepped onto a path that would lead to their own deaths and in a sense into obscurity.
"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."
The research team has also created a facial reconstruction of David Young, the cabin boy.
Dr Stenton commented on the impact of combining forensic and genetic research:
"When you combine the forensic facial reconstructionswith 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."
Several artefacts recovered from the shipwreck will be displayed for the first time at Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre.
These rare items, loaned by the Royal Navy Museum, include a bowl, dinner plate, boot, belt buckle, and an ointment pot.
Tim Payne, trustee of the heritage centre, explained the care taken to preserve these delicate objects:
"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 exhibition will open on 8 June at Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre, coinciding with the 200th anniversary of Erebus's launch from the dockyard in June 1826.
Four descendants of Erebus crew members, including a relative of Captain Franklin and a relative of David Young, will attend the exhibition launch.
Tim Payne shared a personal connection:
"One of our local supporter's great, great, great uncle was indeed the cabin boy on board HMS Erebus.
"He offered to loan his family's Arctic Medal, which we have in the exhibition."
Originally built as a bomb vessel by the Royal Navy, HMS Erebus featured a reinforced frame designed to withstand the recoil of large guns.
Despite its relatively small size, Erebus was powerful and well-suited for polar exploration, where it would encounter sea ice.
The ship and its crew contributed to significant scientific discoveries during successful Antarctic missions from 1841 to 1843 before meeting their tragic end in the Arctic.
Tim Payne reflected on the enduring fascination with the story:
"It's that full circle," he said. "(Pembroke Dock) launched that ship on 7 June 1826 and in 2014 it was rediscovered. I think that brings it home, that local aspect here from Pembroke Dock, and tells that wonderful history that we've had."
The exhibition, titled HMS Erebus: From Dockyard to Discovery, will run at Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre from 8 June until the end of October.
