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Final vessel of adventurer Shackleton located

The long-lost ship "Quest," associated with Shackleton's fate, was discovered recently after being submerged for over 60 years.

Sir Ernest Shackleton in January 1921.
Sir Ernest Shackleton in January 1921.

Atlantic-Based News: North Atlantic ocean water temperatures increase - Final vessel of adventurer Shackleton located

Researchers have stumbled upon the sunken remains of Ernest Shackleton's final expedition vessel, "Quest," in the depths off Canada's east coast. The Royal Canadian Geographical Society (RCGS) divulged this news on a Wednesday (time dependent). The ship's resting place lies approximately 390 meters below the surface near Labrador Peninsula. Shackleton suffered a heart attack and perished at age 47 in 1922 while on board the "Quest." Following his death, the ship was used for several years before sinking in 1962.

The steamship, crafted in Norway with a schooner rigging, is still relatively intact and correctly positioned on the sea floor. John Geiger, the expedition leader, reported that they located the ship using top-of-the-line sonar equipment. There's no mistaking that they've unearthed the "Quest." "This finding completes one of the last narratives in Sir Ernest Shackleton's thrilling tale," Geiger added. Shackleton's unfortunate fate was the only fatality among his commanding ships.

Shackleton's relative, Alexandra, his granddaughter who served as a co-patron of the expedition, expressed her delight: "I've held out hope for this day and am thankful to everyone involved in this remarkable discovery." The search operation had been on the horizon for six years. The effort proved successful after five days at sea.

Born in Ireland, Sir Ernest Shackleton was one of his generation's foremost polar explorers. He embarked on multiple journeys to the South Pole, with a dream of eventually circumnavigating Antarctica. When en route to his fourth expedition, his ship was anchored close to South Georgia Island. His initial plan was for an Arctic Canadian expedition, but this idea fell through when the Canadian government withdrew its support.

Before it met its watery demise, the "Quest" was transferred to a Norwegian company and contributed to further expeditions and rescue missions. Tragically, in May 1962, its hull was hit by ice near Newfoundland and Labrador's coastline, causing it to sink. The entire crew escaped unharmed.

Plans for a follow-up expedition include using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) this summer to get close to the wreck and snap some photos. Shackleton's other ship, the "Endurance," was previously found in the Weddell Sea of Antarctica in 2022.

Read also:

  1. The discovery of Shackleton's "Quest" marks a significant chapter in the history of seafaring, particularly along the East coast of Atlantic nations like Great Britain and Norway.
  2. The expedition to find the "Quest" was a quest in itself, involving advanced technology and patience, as its final journey ended in the cold depths of the Atlantic.
  3. The "Quest," a sturdy vessel with Norwegian origins, had a previous life in the seafaring world before its tragic end off the coast of Canada.
  4. The Royal Canadian Geographical Society's expedition ship, equipped with cutting-edge sonar technology, was instrumental in uncovering the wreck of Shackleton's "Quest" on the seabed.
  5. The success of the expedition, which took place over five days, has shed new light on Shackleton's ventures and the events leading up to the sinking of the "Quest."
  6. Scientists and historians are now interested in studying the "Quest" wreck as it offers an intriguing insight into the world of polar exploration and maritime technology of the early 20th century.
  7. The discovery of the "Quest" adds another layer to the iconic story of Ernest Shackleton, an explorer whose daring endeavors continue to captivate our imagination and inspire future quests on the open seas.

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