The lost ship of Irish explorer Ernest Shackleton, Endurance, was found 107 years after it sank off the coast of Antarctica.

The wreck of Ernest Shackleton’s ship Endurance has been found 107 years after it became trapped in sea ice and sank off the coast of Antarctica.

His wooden ship had not been seen since it entered the Weddell Sea in 1915, and in February, the Endurance Expedition22 departed Cape Town, South Africa, a month after the 100th anniversary of his death. of Sir Ernest on a quest to find it.

Shackleton was born in Kildare in 1874 and became one of the pioneers of polar exploration.

The Falklands Maritime Heritage Trust said Endurance was found at a depth of 3,008 meters and was far from the original location recorded by the ship’s captain, Frank Worsley.

The expedition’s director of discovery said Endurance footage showed it intact and was “the best wooden shipwreck to date” he had ever seen.

Mensun Bound said: “We were overwhelmed by our luck in locating and capturing the images of Endurance.

“It is upright, very proud of the seabed, intact and in brilliant condition of preservation. You can even see the ‘Strength’ emblazoned on the stern of the train, just below the taffrail plate.

“This is an important milestone in polar history.”

Dr John Shears, the expedition’s leader, said his team, along with historian Dan Snow, had made “polar history” by completing what he called “a trial shipwreck search. most challenging in the world”.

“In addition, we have performed significant scientific research in a region of the world that has a direct impact on the global climate and environment,” he said.

“We have also conducted an unprecedented program of educational outreach, broadcasting live from the ship, allowing new generations from around the world to engage with Endurance22 and be inspired by it. great stories about polar exploration and what humans can achieve and the obstacles they can overcome when they work together. ”

Sir Ernest and his crew set out to make the maiden voyage to Antarctica, but Endurance failed to reach land and became trapped in dense ice, forcing the last 28 people on board to abandon the ship.