The Endurance, the lost vessel of the Antarctic explorer Ernest Shackleton, was found after107 years it sank at the bottom of Weddell Sea. The ship was crushed by sea-ice and sank on November 21, 1915.
The crew began to haul three lifeboats over the ice but were able to go a short distance. On January 21, 1916 a blizzard blew the floe north forcing Shackleton and his men to make an astonishing escape. On April 9, 1916 after 7 harrowing days across ferocious seas they reached the Elephant island. With the long dark winter days looming, and his men half-starved Shackleton decided to attempt to sail a 22 foot lifeboat to South Georgia.
On April 24, 1916 Shackleton and five men set sail for South Georgia a 750 mile trip. They reached the island after 17 days in stormy seas.
On May 20, 1916 after trekking the mountainous island they reached the whaling station. Three days later they depart and return to Elephant island to rescue the stranded crew. After several attempts using different boats, they reached Elephant island on August 30, 1916. On September 3, 1916 Shackleton and his crew arrived at Punta Arenas, Chile.
All 28 men survived!
Even though the Endurance has been at a depth of 3000 meters of water, it is preserved in a remarkable condition with its timbers very much together, and the name - Endurance - clearly visible on the stern.
George Marston painting depicting Shackleton and the James Caird landing on South Georgia by Royal Geographic Society.
