A new DNA analysis has identified Captain James Fitzjames, who commanded HMS Erebus during the doomed Northwest Passage expedition, over 175 years after his disappearance.
Fitzjames became the commander of HMS Erebus once Franklin died, but his ship became trapped at King William Island, leading to the deaths of all crew members.
This groundbreaking research reaffirms the importance of genetic analysis, allowing scientists to match ancient remains to living descendants, thus providing closure on historical mysteries.
The skeletal remains of many sailors were discovered at King William Island, yet Fitzjames is only the second individual to be identified from that site.
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