Underwater images of HMS Investigator with comments

[SvenTviking]

There is testimony of witnesses who saw the hulks of Erebus and Terror on an iceburg in the North Atlantic.

[RoninKengo]

This bodes extremely well for the preservation of Franklin's Erebus and Terror if/when they eventually find them. Despite the damage, the Investigator seems extremely well preserved for a 150 year old vessel.

[pinz2022]

@RoninKengo

No surprises there, this was first confirmed with the discovery of the HMS Breadalbane, a supply ship in the Franklin Search that was sunk by the ice. It was discovered in the early eighties and was astonishingly preserved by the cold water. Even the hanging tatters of the sails were preserved.

Erebus and Terror could probably be found just as quickly. But only if the ever-capricious ice permits.

One of their favorite expressions back then was: "Man proposes, God disposes".

[heizmon69]

@RoninKengo There are many examples of wooden ships surviving much longer. Whats most important is the water logged conditions, but also the frigid temperatures help. The only issue will be preservation of the ship once it is out of the water as the wood tends to dry up and warp when removed from its burial environment.

[jakeel85]

yeah that is absolutely amazing, I wish they could that thing up

[tinminer]

My greatgrandfather served on this ship as a buson's mate during the time the Investigator was trapped in the ice (1850/53). He spent 4 years trapped in the ice. When they abandoned the ship, the crew where rescued by the crew of HMS Resalute, that was also trapped the following year (1854). They came back to the UK on HMS North Star.

[venomlord5]

This is awesome.They need to bring this to the surface and put it in a museum.