Captain Sir John Franklin, a prominent British explorer, embarked on a significant Arctic expedition in 1845. Departing from Greenhithe, England, he commanded two Royal Navy ships, HMS Erebus and HMS Terror, with a crew of 129 men. This venture aimed to navigate the elusive Northwest Passage, a sea route connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans through the Arctic archipelago of Canada. The elusive passage had fascinated explorers for centuries, driven by the economic potential it represented by shortening trade routes.

Equipped with the latest navigational tools, Franklin's expedition sought not only to chart new territory but also to provide valuable scientific knowledge about the Arctic environment. Prior to departure, the ships were extensively outfitted with provisions and sophisticated equipment, intended for a lengthy journey. Franklin's reputation as an experienced Arctic navigator, having led previous expeditions, instilled confidence in the partners and the British public that this attempt would succeed.

As the ships sailed into the icy waters of the Arctic, they carried the hopes of a nation eager to discover new trading routes and establish dominance in exploration. However, the fate of Franklin and his crew would soon become a subject of mystery, as they disappeared from sight, leading to numerous search expeditions that followed, filled with mounting concerns over their well-being and questions about the challenges of Arctic exploration.