DNA identifies four more crew members of doomed Franklin expedition

DNA analysis has identified three more HMS Erebus crew members from the Franklin expedition: William Orren, David Young, and John Bridgens.

Researchers matched DNA from remains on King William Island with descendant samples, adding to earlier identifications such as John Gregory and James Fitzjames.

The findings strengthen the historical record of the Franklin expedition and show how forensic genetics can identify long-unclaimed remains.

The work also helps reconstruct the final fate of the expedition and corroborates Inuit accounts and archival evidence.