Bones found on Nikumaroro
In the spring of 1940, natives clearing a forest found and buried a human skull. Gerald Gallagher, Administrator of the Phoenix Islands Settlement Scheme and residing on Niku, conjectured that the bones might be those of Amelia Earhart. His superiors ordered a thorough search of the area.
|
October 17, 1940 Complete skeleton not found only skull, lower jaw, one thoracic vertebra, half pelvis, part scapula, humerus, radius, two femurs, tibia and fibula. Skull discovered by working party six months ago — report reached me early September. Working party buried skull but made no further search. Bones were found on South East corner of island about 100 feet above ordinary high water springs. Body had obviously been lying under a "ren" tree and remains of fire, turtle and dead birds appear to indicate life. All small bones have been removed by giant coconut crabs which have also damaged larger ones. Difficult to estimate age bones owing to activities of crabs but am quite certain they are not less than four years old and probably much older. Only experienced man could state sex from available bones; my conclusion based on sole of shoe which is almost certainly a woman's. Dental condition appears to have been good but only five teeth now remain. Evidence dental work on jaw not apparent. We have searched carefully for rings, money and keys with no result. No clothing was found. Organized search of area for remaining bones would take several weeks as crabs move considerable distances and this part of island is not yet cleared. Regret it is not possible to measure length of skeleton. No hair found. Bones at present in locked chest in office pending construction coffin. Gallagher |