Identification of officer from Sir John franklin's Northwest Passage expedition
A study confirmed the identity of Captain James Fitzjames' remains through DNA analysis, revealing he died near the abandoned ships and providing insights into the crew's survival conditions, including cannibalism.
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A recent study has successfully identified the remains of Captain James Fitzjames, a senior officer from Sir John Franklin’s Northwest Passage expedition, which took place from 1845 to 1848. The skeletal remains, discovered in 1993 on King William Island, were analyzed using DNA from a tooth and compared to a buccal sample from a living descendant of Fitzjames. The genetic analysis indicated a close relationship, confirming the identity of the remains. The study also provides new insights into the circumstances surrounding the expedition, including the captain's death, which occurred less than 80 kilometers from where the ships were abandoned. Additionally, the research sheds light on the controversial topic of cannibalism among the crew during their desperate attempts to survive in the Arctic.
- Captain James Fitzjames' remains have been identified through DNA analysis.
- The analysis revealed he died close to the site where the expedition's ships were abandoned.
- The study enhances understanding of the conditions faced by the crew, including cannibalism.
- The research utilized genetic material from living descendants for identification purposes.
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3 commentsFascinating to be a bit closer to a complete story, given that this is one of the greatest mysteries of the age of exploration.
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