U.K. to give Canada John Franklin shipwrecks

LONDON Britain says it will give Canada the two shipwrecks once commanded by John Franklin that lie at the heart of one of this country’s most compelling Arctic myths.

The Ministry Of Defence says in a statement it will transfer ownership of HMS Erebus and HMS Terror to Parks Canada, but retain a small sample of artifacts.

“This exceptional arrangement will recognize the historical significance of the Franklin expedition to the people of Canada, and will ensure that these wrecks and artifacts are conserved for future generations,” said Defence Secretary Michael Fallon.

Under international law, warships remain the property of the country they sailed under. Before they disappeared beneath the ice in the waters of the Northwest Passage, Franklin’s Erebus and Terror were both commissioned ships in the Royal Navy.

The ships, which were located in 2014 and 2016, are now designated Canadian historic sites under the jurisdiction of Environment Canada.

Caitlin Workman, press secretary to Environment Minister Catherine McKenna, said the ships were part of discussions between Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and British Prime Minister Theresa May in September.

“It’s good that this is happening so quickly after (May) visited here,” Workman said Monday.

Final transfer of ownership is expected to be completed over the coming weeks.