Earlier this month, a team of researchers and explorers set out on a mission to find the the wreckage of the “Endurance”, Earnest Shackelton’s legendary expedition ship that was crushed in the ice flows of Antarctica and sank 106 years ago.  It is one of the great stories of survival, for those unfamiliar I highly recommend reading Endurance, Alfred Lansing’s incredible retelling of the story.

The team searched for more than 2 weeks over a 150 square mile area, through freezing temperatures and unpredictable sea ice, and armed with not much more than the century old notes of Shackelton’s captain & navigator Frank Worsley, describing her last location.  The expedition, titled Endurance22, scanned the sea floor until it found the likely spot, and then sent robotic submersibles down for an inspection and were greeted with an astonishing sight.  The Endurance had landed upright, in one piece, clear of the seabed and was almost perfectly preserved.  Across her stern, “Endurance” still visible in gold embossed letters above a 5 pointed gold star.  Imagine the thrill of seeing this for the first time!

 Image Credits Falklands Heritage Maritime Trust/National Geographic

I high level of preservation was expected, due to the fact that there are no wood-eating microorganisms in Antarctica’s icy waters, but what they found surpassed their wildest dreams.  Endurance sits at the bottom of the Weddell Sea like a perfectly preserved exhibit in a museum, and there she will remain, protected as an historical monument under the Antarctic Treaty.

“We have made polar history with the discovery of Endurance, and successfully completed the world’s most challenging shipwreck search,” said expedition leader John Shears.

If you’ve ever traveled to Antarctica, the story of Shackelton’s ill-fated expedition is ever-present, as you visit places like Elephant Island where the crew were finally rescued.  Sharon Carr Travel happened to have 8 people in Antarctica when this discovery was made, what an exciting time to be there!  I still have availability for our 11-Night Expedition aboard the amazing Atlas World Navigator next February at incredible rates, starting as low as $7250.56 including flights (with military discount).

For more details, check the link below!

11-Night Antarctica Expedition

Aboard the Atlas World Navigator

February 9 -21, 2023

From $9064 per person