An underwater expedition led by the Royal Canadian Geographical Society (RCGS) has captured the first images of the wreck of the Quest, Sir Ernest Shackleton’s final exploration ship, lying approximately 400 metres below the surface of the Labrador Sea. Researchers identified the vessel, which sank in 1962, by matching distinctive portholes to historical photographs. The site, located in the Hawke Channel, is currently being documented with 3D imaging technology to create a digital twin of the wreckage.
Condition of the Wreckage
While researchers successfully identified the Quest, the expedition team reported that the vessel has sustained damage from commercial fishing gear. According to David Mearns, co-chief scientist and a professional shipwreck hunter, the ship is heavily entangled in fishing nets. Mearns stated that the nets have likely caused more damage to the structure than if it had remained undisturbed on the seabed. Although the Hawke Channel has been closed to fishing since 2002, the presence of these nets suggests historical impact on the site.
Historical and Scientific Significance
The expedition, conducted in partnership with the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, represents the largest underwater mission ever undertaken by the RCGS. Research director Antoine Normandin confirmed the wreck’s identity by locating specific features, including two portholes situated below the bridge that align with archival imagery. Despite the presence of nets, the team noted that significant historical sections of the hull remain intact. John Geiger, CEO of the RCGS, described the moment the ship’s bow emerged from the darkness during the initial dive as a moving experience that highlighted the vessel’s storied past.
Future Expedition Plans
Following the conclusion of work at the Quest site, the research ship Atlantis and its crew are scheduled to travel to the southern tip of Greenland. The team intends to explore the wreck of the Terra Nova, the ship used by Robert Falcon Scott during his fatal 1912 South Pole expedition. Researchers hope that the upcoming dives will provide data on the current state of the Terra Nova and its surrounding 300-metre debris field, offering new insights into how such wrecks evolve over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How was the wreck of the Quest identified?
Research director Antoine Normandin identified the vessel by matching two distinctive portholes located below the bridge to historical photographs of the ship.
Why is the Quest in the Labrador Sea?
The ship sank in 1962 off the coast of Labrador after ice crushed its hull; all crew members survived the incident, though the cargo of seal pelts was lost.
What is the next phase of the expedition?
The research team will move to the southern tip of Greenland to study the Terra Nova, which was discovered in 2024, to assess its preservation and the surrounding debris field.
What impact do you think the 3D digital imaging of the Quest will have on our understanding of maritime history?
