Researchers identify four more sailors from lost Arctic expedition

Researchers have identified four more sailors from a 19th-century Arctic expedition that ended in the loss of two ships and all crew members. The identifications were made through DNA testing of remains recovered from sites associated with the expedition.

Scientists at a university laboratory extracted and compared genetic material from the remains with samples from living descendants. The process involved matching mitochondrial DNA sequences and using historical records to confirm family connections.

The expedition departed from England in 1845 with the goal of finding a route through Arctic waters. Both ships became trapped in ice, leading to the deaths of all 129 crew members. Further testing is planned on additional remains to identify more individuals from the expedition.