2014 Victoria Strait Expedition, in search of Sir John Franklin’s Fabled Ships

Canadian polar operator joins unprecedented private and public sector partnership to help unveil the mystery surrounding Sir John Franklin’s ships in the Canadian Arctic

One Ocean Expeditions, a leading exploration cruise operator in the Canadian Arctic, has been invited to take an active role in supporting the Canadian Government on the Parks Canada and Royal Canadian Geographical Society (RCGS) historic 2014 Victoria Strait Expedition to find the fabled and long lost vessels of Sir John Franklin, Erebus and Terror.

One Ocean Expeditions along with other select partners, the Garfield Weston Foundation, Shell Canada and the Arctic Research Foundation have been invited to support the Royal Canadian Geographical Society and the Canadian government’s desire to shed light on the mysterious disappearance of Franklin’s lost ships and crew in the Canadian Arctic. A desire expressed by the Governor General in Canada’s Speech from the Throne in October 2013.

This project showcases One Ocean Expeditions’ capabilities and experience as a leading Canadian polar operator and a world leader in safe and sustainable polar logistics. Designed for polar exploration, One Ocean Voyager/Akademik Sergey Vavilov combines modern comforts and superb amenities with first-class technical and safety features.

“We’ve been supporting and transporting researchers and equipment around the Arctic on countless occasions over the years and this project is the kind of thing we’ve been working towards for many years” said Andrew Prossin, FRCGS, Managing Director One Ocean Expeditions.

The One Ocean Voyager will chart a course through the Northwest Passage serving as the platform for research equipment (Parks Canada dive boat and several autonomous underwater vehicles), scientists, sponsors, participating dignitaries and donors/clients during the Expedition beginning in Resolute, Canada, 26 August 2014.

On 15 August 2014, One Ocean Voyager will slip away from the pier in Halifax with considerable fanfare. This is the location where the equipment and supplies for this very special expedition will be loaded on the vessel.

As part of One Ocean Expeditions’ special commitment to the project they have been asked by the Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) to carry the Arctic Explorer, an autonomous underwater vehicle equipped with a state-of-the-art sonar system. More than seven meters in length, the Arctic Explorer is a long-endurance vehicle that will produce high-resolution images of the seafloor over a much greater range than previous sonar systems. The deployment of the Arctic Explorer will showcase Canada’s innovative and world-leading technologies.

This is the largest expedition yet to search for Franklin’s ships – (Canadian Coast Guard, Royal Canadian navy, Arctic Research Foundation and One Ocean Expeditions each providing a vessel) – equipped with sophisticated search equipment never before used in this search.

A limited number of berths are available for adventurers and history buffs wanting to join the crew of scientists, sponsors and dignitaries and take a front row seat while this ambitious team attempts to complete a few chapters of polar history.

“We are proud to showcase Canadian innovation and entrepreneurship as we eagerly play our part in the Victoria Strait Expedition. This would be a truly Canadian find and locating the missing ships, a Canadian Historical site, would help to lead the economic development of the Canadian Northern Regions, and assist Canadian sovereignty in the Arctic Regions. Finding these vessels and helping to complete a major chapter in our history and one of the biggest mysteries in any polar region would be one of the most meaningful developments in the “polar worlds” in generations. We are very excited to be a part of an event to potentially re-define history”, said Prossin.

The partnership with the Royal Canadian Geographical Society in the onward trilingual educational series showcasing Canada’s Arctic History is also an initiative One Ocean Expeditions is proud of. This program will be developed and shared across Canada to inspire and educate young Canadians not only about history but also the possibilities of northern exploration.

To find out more about the program and the 2014 Victoria Strait Expedition and One Ocean Expeditions.

• http://www.newswire.ca/en/story/1376995/minister-aglukkaq-announces-2014-search-for-franklin-expedition
• http://www.canadiangeographic.ca/blog/posting.asp?ID=1212
• canadiangeographic.ca/franklin-expedition
• http://www.oneoceanexpeditions.com/about/index.php