Nigel Gambier has always been proud of his ancestor, who captained one of the ill-starred ships on Sir John Franklin’s disastrous expedition in search of the Northwest Passage.

Now, after DNA analysis has identified the remains of Gambier’s predecessor and confirmed his relationship with James Fitzjames, there’s sorrow mixed in with the pride.

“He’s a kinsman and I’m very proud of him,” said Gambier, a retired furniture importer from Bury St. Edmunds, England, and Fitzjames’ paternal second cousin five times removed. “I’m sorry he met such a tough ending.”