OTTAWA, Aug. 18, 2017 /CNW/ - Parks Canada is pleased to announce an opportunity for media to visit the wreck of HMS Erebus on September 1st during Parks Canada's Underwater Archeology Team's operations.
This will mark the first time that media will be able to access the site since the wreck's discovery. The opportunity will include an orientation of the on-going archeological work and on-site interviews with members of Parks Canada's Underwater Archeology Team and the Inuit Guardians that protect and monitor the wreck of HMS Erebus. While Parks Canada will be providing escorted access to the wreck site, media will not be permitted to enter the water.
Please be advised that spots on this trip are very limited. To ensure that this story is shared with Inuit communities, preference will be given to northern media, however Parks Canada will make every effort to accommodate as many media outlets as possible, and may create a media pool for audiovisual content.
Media must arrive in Cambridge Bay on August 31st. On September 1st, a Parks Canada's charter flight will depart Cambridge Bay for the wreck of HMS Erebus and continue on to Gjoa Haven for an overnight stay to experience the community's Umiyaqtutt (Shipwreck) Festival. Media must be prepared to cover the cost of transportation to Cambridge Bay and the cost of accommodations in Gjoa Haven. Media will return to Cambridge Bay on a Parks Canada's charter flight on September 2nd or September 3rd (depending on availability).
It is important to note that weather conditions negate the ability to guarantee the trip.
Parks Canada looks forward to collaborating with media on this unique and unprecedented opportunity to share stories of the Franklin Expedition and the role of Inuit knowledge and modern science in the discovery and on-going conservation of the Franklin wrecks with Canadians and the world, while also covering topics such as Inuit history, culture, and communities.
Media interested in participating must signify their interest via email at [email protected] no later than Wednesday, August 23rd at 5 P.M. ET. Media with a confirmed interest will be invited to a conference call on Thursday, August 24th, where additional details will be provided. As noted, a media pool may be created for audiovisual content.
Please note that this advisory is subject to change without notice.
SOURCE Parks Canada
Media Relations, Parks Canada Agency, 855-862-1812, [email protected]
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