On August 12, Beattie & his team began digging into Torrington’s grave. The top layer of gravel was removed in less than an hour but under that they encountered cement-like permafrost. It would take two long days of digging before they glimpsed the coffin beneath a layer of ice… #FranklinExpedition

After 2 days of digging, a dark blue material became visible. Beattie’s team knew they'd reached the coffin but they now had to stop to wait on exhumation/reburial permits. So far their work had been covered under a separate permit. This setback would waste several days… #FranklinExpedition