History's Greatest Voyages of Exploration Season 1 Episode 17 Sir John Franklin's Epic Disaster

Sir John Franklin's Epic Disaster is the 17th episode of the first season of History's Greatest Voyages of Exploration. The episode delves into the ill-fated expedition led by British Arctic explorer Sir John Franklin, who set out to find the fabled Northwest Passage in 1845 with a crew of 129 men and two ships - HMS Erebus and HMS Terror.

The episode begins with Franklin's departure from England amidst much fanfare and excitement. The expedition was backed by the British Admiralty, and the crew consisted of seasoned sailors and officers who had all the necessary equipment and provisions for a long voyage. Franklin, a veteran of many Arctic expeditions, was confident that he would find and navigate the Northwest Passage, which would open up a new trade route between Europe and Asia. However, things did not go as planned.

The episode chronicles the crew's journey through the treacherous Arctic waters, where they encountered icebergs, storms, and freezing temperatures. The ships became stuck in the ice, forcing the crew to abandon them and set up a camp on the ice. The men endured extreme hardships, including starvation, scurvy, and exposure to the elements. Some attempted to walk to safety, but most perished in the harsh conditions.

The episode also explores the efforts made by the British government to locate Franklin's expedition. After years of silence from the crew, a search party was dispatched in 1848, but they found no signs of the missing ships. Over the next decade, several other expeditions were sent out, but they too found nothing. It wasn't until the discovery of a note in 1859 that the fate of the crew was finally known. The note revealed that Franklin had died in 1847 and that the remaining crew had attempted to walk to safety but had perished in the process.

The episode highlights the impact of Franklin's expedition on Arctic exploration and the search for the Northwest Passage. While the expedition was a failure, it led to a greater understanding of the Arctic's geography, weather patterns, and wildlife. The search for Franklin also led to the discovery of other passages that would prove useful for future expeditions.

In addition to chronicling Sir John Franklin's Epic Disaster, the episode also features interviews with historians, Arctic experts, and descendants of the crew. They provide insight into the challenges faced by Franklin's crew, the impact of the expedition on British society, and the legacy of Arctic exploration.

Overall, Sir John Franklin's Epic Disaster is a fascinating and poignant episode that sheds light on one of the most tragic expeditions in history. It illustrates the dangers of Arctic exploration and the bravery and resilience required to undertake such ventures. The episode also highlights the importance of perseverance and the pursuit of knowledge, even in the face of extreme adversity.