ENDURANCE: Nat Geo unearths Shackleton’s lost ship

The Falklands Maritime Heritage Trust spearheaded the historic expedition that ultimately located the Endurance on March 5, 2022, more than a century after it vanished in the icy Weddell Sea. Dr. John Shears, polar geographer and expedition leader, worked alongside marine archaeologist Mensun Bound, with advanced submersibles on the South African icebreaker Agulhas II. The Endurance remains untouched, providing invaluable insights into Shackleton’s resilience.

‘We have dedicated our careers to telling stories about the edge of human experience, exploration, and possibility,’ said directors Vasarhelyi and Chin. ‘Ernest Shackleton’s Endurance is the definitive true story of adventure and survival against all odds.’

The documentary uses cutting-edge technology to share the daring journey, led by a crew of scientists and extreme environment filmmakers, with audiences of all ages. ‘With the discovery of his long-lost ship…we are able to revisit Shackleton’s story of hardship, bravery, and leadership with a fresh lens,’ added Vasarhelyi and Chin, emphasizing the expedition’s timeless themes of friendship, grit, and discovery.