Project Title: HMS Erebus wreck site archaeological investigation

Research Team
Principal Investigator: Ryan Harris, Senior Underwater Archaeologist, Parks Canada
Total number of participants: 14

Project activities and objectives, necessity and duration:

The 2017 archaeological investigation of the site of HMS Erebus aims at:
• Continue artefacts and features mapping of the Upper Deck, following complete cleaning;
• Selected test excavations including artefacts mapping and collection;
• Partial disassembly and/or consolidation of Upper Deck structure;
• Exploration of interior spaces using inspection cameras and ROV;
• Continuation of video and photo documentation of the site including 3D photogrammetric modelling;
• 3D reference points and baselines system consolidation and extension.
• Establish a reburial site of artefacts to be recorded on site and reburied.

The team will be working on site from a vessel and a barge for 2 to 4 weeks between August 1st and September 30th 2017.

Location: Wreck of HMS Erebus and HMS Terror National Historic Site, Wilmot and Crampton Bay, Queen Maud Gulf.

Method of transportation: Parks Canada archaeologists will work from their research vessel RV David Thompson and barge. They will be moored close to the site in the National Historic Site. The RV David Thompson will provide logistical support and accommodation during the 2017 project. All diving operations will take place from the vessel or the barge with the support of small inflatable boats. All operations will be marine based – no land camps or fuel caches will be required.

Methods: Archaeologists will conduct their researches by mapping on the Upper Deck. They will perform small excavations and if necessary partial removal and-or consolidation of Upper Deck lose structure. It is planned that artefacts will be recovered during the excavation. Using inspection camera on robots they will continue to document the interior spaces of the wreck. They will also be continuing the video and photo documentation of the site, including 3D photogrammetric recording.

Benefits of Research: The archaeology component is essential to understanding the story of the Franklin expedition and its relationship with Inuit history in the area. For 2017, Parks Canada is planning to hire one permanent seasonal Nunavut beneficiary to participate in this project and on HMS Terror wreck also planned in 2017, in addition to two Beneficiaries to support the outreach in the communities. Parks Canada is planning to build infrastructure in Gjoa Haven linked to the interpretation of the wreck and the Franklin story. This will provide employment, economic and tourism opportunities for the Arctic communities.