Long-Lost Franklin Expedition Wrecks Gifted To Canadian Government

Video Credit: Parks Canada

The UK has gifted the historic Franklin Wrecks to the Canadian government and Inuit community.

HMS Erebus and HMS Terror are considered two of the most archaeologically important shipwrecks in the world.

Ownership of the two wrecks was transferred to the Canadian government with the signing of a Deed of Gift at a ceremony today.

The gifting is an historic milestone in the long-standing cooperation between the UK and Canada on the issue. 

Watch: Curator for the Canadian Museum of History, Dr Karen Ryan, on the what happens next

Inuit of Nunavut, who played a key role in their discovery, will also become joint owners of the wrecks and artefacts.

HMS Erebus and HMS Terror were found in Canada's northern waters in 2014 and 2016, respectively, ending more than 150 years of mystery surrounding the fate of Sir John Franklin and his 1845 Arctic expedition.

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said:

"We have deep historic links with Canada and this gift is testament to our prospering relationship.

“The story behind these vessels is both fascinating and incredibly important to the history of both our nations.

“The UK joined forces with the Canadian government and Inuit population to search for these ships for 172 years and I’m delighted they will now be protected for future generations.”

The two ships set sail from England in 1845 under the command of Rear-Admiral Sir John Franklin, on an ill-fated voyage through the Canadian Arctic to find the Northwest Passage.

During the treacherous journey, the ships became trapped in thick sea ice.

The crews abandoned the ships to trek overland to safety, but tragically none survived.

Despite many attempts to locate the wrecks, they proved elusive for over 172 years.

 In 1997, the UK and Canadian governments signed an agreement giving custody and control of the wrecks and their contents to Canada, while still remaining property of the UK.

Thanks to Inuit knowledge of the area, along with state of the art technology, Erebus was finally located in 2014 and Terror two years later in 2016 in shallow Arctic Waters.

Artefacts from the wrecks will be available for display at museums in both countries.

Currently there are examples on display at the Canadian Museum of History as part of the "Death in the Ice" exhibit.

The Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Catherine McKenna said:

“I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the United Kingdom for this exceptional gift of the wrecks of HMS Erebus and HMS Terror and all yet-to-be discovered artefacts.

“Moving forward, we will work with the Inuit Heritage Trust to ensure these historic treasures are protected, and that the intriguing and expanding story of the Franklin Expedition continues to be shared with Canada and the world.”