WATCH: MP Leona Aglukkaq unveils recovered bell from HMS Erebus.
OTTAWA – A brass bell from HMS Erebus, one of the two doomed ships from the Franklin expedition that came in search of the Northwest Passage, is now in the hands of scientists in Ottawa.
Sealed in a fresh water-filled glass container, the iconic bell was unveiled today by Environment Minister Leona Aglukkaq.
The bell was found in mid-September, shortly after the Erebus was discovered at the bottom of the ocean.
While corroded on the inside, there are clear visible markings on the outside of the bell, including the year 1845 and an arrow symbol signifying that the bell was the property of the British Royal Navy.
The Erebus, on which it’s believed that Sir John Franklin died, was lost some 168 years ago.
Parks Canada chief underwater archaeologist Marc-Andre Bernier says several other artifacts were found around the site, but have been left there until dive teams can resume their inspection of the sunken vessel again next year.
Comments