videoResearchers have found the wreckage of a ship that sank more than a century ago off the coast of Antarctica. It concerns the Endurance of British explorer Ernest Shackleton, whose failed expedition is world famous because all 28 on board survived.
Caspar Naber
Latest update:
13:42
One of the world’s most legendary shipwrecks has been discovered off the coast of Antarctica more than a century after its sinking, members of Expedition Endurance22 announced on Wednesday. The found ship sank in 1915 after being slowly compressed by pack ice and was never seen again. Previous searches for the shipwreck have turned up nothing. For the expedition, which started last month, an area in the Weddell Sea had been designated as a search location before departure. The ship was found there at a depth of 3008 meters.
Released images taken by a remote-controlled mini-submarine show that the wreck is still in good condition. It is protected as a historic site and monument under the Antarctic Treaty. This means that the wreck must not be touched or disturbed during the research or making images.
Milestone in polar history
Research leader Mensun Bound, a British maritime biologist, speaks of a unique and historic find. “We have been overwhelmed with the luck of locating the ship and capturing images of the Endurance. This is by far the most beautiful wooden shipwreck I have ever seen. It stands upright and proud of the seabed, virtually intact, and in a superb state of preservation. You can even see the name Endurance bent over the stern. This is a milestone in polar history,” he said in a statement press release†
The objective of the Endurance22 expedition was to locate, survey and film the wreckage, as well as conduct important scientific research and provide an exceptional outreachprogram (aid to the underprivileged). “Today’s revelry is overshadowed by world events and everyone involved in Endurance22 keeps those affected by these ongoing, shocking events in mind and prayers.”
“We hope our find will appeal to young people and inspire them with the pioneering spirit, courage and determination of those who sailed the Endurance to Antarctica. We pay tribute to the navigational skills of Captain Frank Worsley, whose detailed records were invaluable in our search for the wreck.” It was found about four miles (about 7.4 kilometers) south of the location in the search area the captain had calculated before leaving Cape Town.
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The study leader, who was born in the Falkland Islands, about 5000 kilometers north of Antarctica, also thanked everyone involved. ‘This success is the result of an impressive collaboration between many people, both aboard the SA Agulhas II (a South African icebreaker annex research vessel, ed.) with its excellent captain and crew, a skilled and dedicated expedition team, and many on whose support we could rely on in the UK, South Africa, Germany, France, the United States and elsewhere.”
He also thanked his colleagues at The Falklands Maritime Heritage Trust for making the “extraordinary expedition” possible, as well as Saab for its technology and the team of experts involved “in this monumental discovery,” according to Mensun Bound.
Crossing on foot
Shackleton was the first to cross Antarctica on foot, but his ship never reached land. It got stuck in the ice in January 1915. Those on board remained on board, but decided to abandon ship in October because it was crushed. With lifeboats they managed to reach the uninhabited Elephant Island. Shackleton and five others then made the journey in one of the boats to South Georgia, where they could enlist help for those left behind.
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