NEEDLE IN A HAYSTACK
The recent discovery of Ernest Shackleton’s ship Endurance has revealed once again the irrepressible and determined story of one of the most charismatic leaders who in a moment of tragedy, when all seemed lost, showed how strong resolve, optimism and humanity can reign supreme in overcoming even the darkest times.
The ship was lost 107 years ago and was discovered in March of this year below the surface in the Weddell Sea, at a depth of 3,000 metres, four miles south of the position originally recorded by its Captain Frank Worsley. The 144ft (44m) ship was crushed by sea ice and on sank 21 November 1915, but was found wonderfully preserved sitting in an upright position on the seabed.
Endurance22 mission’s leader, the veteran polar geographer Dr John Shears said “The discovery of the wreck is an incredible achievement,” and then added “We have successfully completed the world’s most difficult shipwreck search, battling constantly shifting sea-ice, blizzards, and temperatures down to -18C. We have achieved what many people would say was impossible.”
One could argue that all four Shackleton’s Antarctic expeditions ended in failure, but
