Experts identify victims from one of history's most 'catastrophic' Arctic disasters
Researchers have identified four additional crew members from Sir John Franklin's ill-fated expedition to find the Northwest Passage. The identification was made possible through DNA analysis of remains found near King William Island. This tragic expedition resulted in the loss of all 129 crew members, with no survivors after they attempted to escape on foot in 1848.
- ▪The identified crew members include William Orren, David Young, John Bridgens, and Harry Peglar.
- ▪Franklin's expedition set out in 1845 with 129 officers and crew members aboard HMS Erebus and HMS Terror.
- ▪The vessels became trapped in ice in 1846, leading to the eventual death of all crew members during their escape attempts.
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Discovery Experts identify victims from one of history's most 'catastrophic' Arctic disasters DNA from teeth helped scientists match remains to living descendants after years of exposure By Andrea Margolis Fox News Published May 30, 2026 10:00am EDT Facebook Twitter Threads Flipboard Comments Print Email Add Fox News on Google close Video Texas archaeologists uncover ancient king's tomb in Belize Texas archaeologists Arlen Chase and Diane Chase recently uncovered the 4th-century tomb of Te' K'ab Chaak, the earliest ruler of Caracol, a major Mayan city in Belize.
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