Landmark Antarctic Shipwreck Survey Launches to Preserve Historic Expedition Vessels

A groundbreaking expedition spearheaded by the Royal Canadian Geographical Society (RCGS) and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) has commenced to conduct a comprehensive survey of two iconic vessels central to historic Antarctic exploration: the schooner-rigged steamship Quest, captained by Sir Ernest Shackleton, and Captain Robert Falcon Scott’s whaler Newfoundland. These surveys aim to digitally document the wrecks using cutting-edge technology, preserving their legacy and enabling virtual reconstructions for future study.

The Quest and Newfoundland were pivotal in their era, though both met destruction decades after their fates were sealed during their original expeditions. The Newfoundland returned from Scott’s 1910–1913 expedition before being repurposed as a whaling vessel, later requisitioned as a supply ship for Greenland during World War II. Its wreck was rediscovered off Greenland in 2012. The Quest, meanwhile, survived Shackleton’s death in 1922 and was later used for seal-hunting and as a minesweeper. It sank in 1962 after ice damage, with its wreck located in 2024 in the Labrador Sea.

Terra Nova, Quest Sinking Years After Expeditions

After enduring years of service post-expedition, the Newfoundland sent an emergency SOS in 1943 before being intentionally sunk by rescuers to prevent further damage. The wrecks of both vessels gained renewed attention through archaeological efforts, with the Quest recently located by RCGS leader John Geiger.

The new mission represents the first detailed visual survey of both ships, employing 5.2K high-definition cameras and Canadian VOYIS photogrammetric technology to map the wrecks’ structures and surrounding debris. The R/V Atlantis, operated by WHOI, will serve as the primary vessel, deploying the human-occupied submersible Alvin (notably the sub that first surveyed the Titanic) and remotely operated vehicles for underwater exploration.

First Comprehensive Survey of Quest and Newfoundland

“The 2024 quest of the wrecks was only the beginning,” remarked Geiger, emphasizing the expedition as the largest in RCGS’s 96-year history. “By integrating Canadian and American innovations with global expertise, we aim to document these shipwrecks in extraordinary detail, sharing their stories with the world.”

Following the discovery of the Quest, WHOI’s Dwight Coleman and co-chief scientist David Mearns highlighted the mission’s potential: “Advanced imaging will allow us to reconstruct these vessels and animate the legacies of Shackleton and Scott, inspiring new generations of explorers.” Mearns described the project as “once-in-a-generation,” underscoring its historical significance and technological ambition.

Efforts will focus on capturing meticulous visual records, with updates and footage to be released through Canadian Geographic’s platform.

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