Divers to explore Erebus under the ice
Divers will brave Arctic ice to unlock secret of Franklin’s doomed voyage
Divers from the Canadian navy and marine archaeologists from Parks Canada will attempt to explore the wreck of Franklin's ship Erebus, discovered last year, while it is under full sea ice.
“It will undoubtedly be a daunting task, because the weather in April is still grim in the Arctic,” said Ryan Harris, the marine archaeologist who found the Erebus last year. “However, there are advantages. The surface of the sea is covered with ice, so is not swept by winds. Particulates like sand are not disturbed and settle to the bottom, so visibility is good. Neither is the water any colder than in summer. It’s always about a degree above zero.”
It is possible the ship's log, consisting of linen-based paper, will be preserved in the frigid water, and perhaps even the body of Sir John Franklin himself, who died on the Erebus in 1847.
Divers from the Canadian navy and marine archaeologists from Parks Canada will attempt to explore the wreck of Franklin's ship Erebus, discovered last year, while it is under full sea ice.
“It will undoubtedly be a daunting task, because the weather in April is still grim in the Arctic,” said Ryan Harris, the marine archaeologist who found the Erebus last year. “However, there are advantages. The surface of the sea is covered with ice, so is not swept by winds. Particulates like sand are not disturbed and settle to the bottom, so visibility is good. Neither is the water any colder than in summer. It’s always about a degree above zero.”
It is possible the ship's log, consisting of linen-based paper, will be preserved in the frigid water, and perhaps even the body of Sir John Franklin himself, who died on the Erebus in 1847.