Project Title: HMS Erebus wreck site archaeological investigation

Research Team
Principal Investigator: Ryan Harris, Senior Underwater Archaeologist, Parks Canada
Total number of participants: 10

Project activities and objectives, necessity and duration:

The 2017 archaeological investigation of the site of HMS Erebus aims at:
• Continue artefacts and features mapping;
• 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.

The team will be working on site from a shore camp with two small inflatable boats between August 26 and September 2 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 a shore camp. All diving operations will take place from two small inflatable boats moored close to the site in the National Historic Site... All operations will be camp based with the equipment and people brought in by Twin Otter aircraft using tundra tires.

Methods: Archaeologists will conduct their researches by mapping with divers. It is planned that no 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 four Nunavut beneficiary to participate in this project 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.