13 Forgotten "Ghost Fleets": Ship Graveyards Around the World

5. The Arctic's Cold Embrace: The Franklin Expedition

The ill-fated Franklin Expedition of 1845 is one of the most enduring mysteries in maritime history. Led by Sir John Franklin, the expedition set out to chart the Northwest Passage, a fabled sea route connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. However, the two ships, HMS Erebus and HMS Terror, became trapped in the ice of the Canadian Arctic, and the entire crew perished. For over a century, the fate of the expedition remained unknown, until the discovery of the wrecks in 2014 and 2016, respectively. The discovery of the Franklin ships has provided invaluable insights into the challenges faced by 19th-century explorers in the Arctic. The cold, harsh environment has preserved the ships remarkably well, allowing researchers to examine the living conditions and equipment used by the crew. Artifacts recovered from the wrecks, including personal items and scientific instruments, offer a glimpse into the daily lives of the explorers and the difficulties they encountered. The Franklin Expedition serves as a poignant reminder of the perils of exploration and the relentless pursuit of discovery.