Publications in scientific journals

DNA Identifies Franklin Expedition Sailor James Fitzjames, Reveals Cannibalism

Sep 25, 2024, 10:30 PM

Scientists have used DNA testing to identify the remains of a sailor from the ill-fated Franklin expedition of 1845. The remains have been confirmed to belong to Captain James Fitzjames of HMS Erebus. This identification was made possible by matching DNA from a jawbone recovered in 1993 with genetic data from living descendants. The Franklin expedition, which aimed to navigate the Northwest Passage, ended in tragedy with the loss of all crew members. The DNA evidence also revealed signs of scurvy, hypothermia, and cannibalism among the crew members as they struggled to survive in the harsh Arctic conditions.