On September 4, 2023 members of Parks Canada’s Underwater Archaeology Team departed Uqsuqtuuq (Gjoa Haven), Nunavut, aboard the RV David Thompson to resume archaeological fieldwork at the site of HMS Erebus. 

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Over 12 days between September 5-19 the team conducted 68 dives from Parks Canada’s diving and excavation support barge Qiniqtiryuaq to continue investigating and documenting Erebus, and carefully excavated artifacts to learn more about the Franklin expedition, including naval technology, scientific work, and life aboard the vessel. 

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The shallow depth of HMS Erebus means that the wreck is affected by natural forces, especially storm waves likely to increase with climate change. Team members have recorded and tracked changes to the site since it was first discovered almost ten years ago in 2014, including collapse of the ship’s upper deck and sediment scouring around the hull.