The documentary “Endurance” takes viewers deep into Antarctica to explore the wreck of Shackleton's famous ship, which sank on November 21, 1915. Its state of preservation, at over 3,000 meters deep, has amazed researchers and history enthusiasts since its discovery in 2022.
A century after the sinking of the Endurance, the famous ship of Anglo-Irish explorer Ernest Shackleton, a documentary titled Endurance reveals the “breathtaking” preservation conditions of the wreck, discovered two years ago at a depth of 3,000 meters in the Weddell Sea, off Antarctica. Produced by National Geographic, Endurance showcases unprecedented ultra-high-definition footage captured using sophisticated equipment, allowing viewers to explore fascinating details, from an alarm pistol to the crew's evening wear, alongside a plethora of remarkably preserved artifacts. The documentary premiered in the UK after a screening at the London Film Festival, where it generated significant interest.
Mensun Bound, one of the expedition leaders behind this discovery, expressed his astonishment at the state of the wreck: “We were absolutely blown away. We didn't expect to see the ship's wheel -the most emblematic part of the ship- just standing there, upright.” Dan Snow, one of the executive producers, emphasized that finding a wooden ship at such depth in one of the planet's most remote locations is an unprecedented feat. He added that this discovery is essential as it reflects a unique history of courage and survival.
The Epic of Shackleton
Endurance departed from South Georgia at the end of 1914, aiming to conduct a trans-Antarctic expedition. Although Shackleton did not succeed in completing this crossing, his adventure became historic. After a few months, the ship became trapped in the ice of the Weddell Sea and ultimately sank in November 1915. The crew endured extreme conditions, camping on the ice floes for months before seeking refuge on Elephant Island, located northwest of Antarctica. In a heroic act, Shackleton set off with a few crew members to seek rescue, navigating hostile seas to reach South Georgia, where he managed to orchestrate the rescue of all his men. Jimmy Chin, the documentary's director, states that Shackleton's saga surpasses all other survival stories due to the number of people involved.
Stepping Stone to Success
Endurance alternates between the account of the original expedition, reconstructed using period recordings and artificial intelligence technology, and the efforts of modern explorers attempting to locate the wreck amid deteriorating weather conditions. The film illustrates the brutality faced by sailors in the early 20th century, reminding viewers of the challenges the current team must confront. John Shears, head of the expedition organized by the Falklands Maritime Heritage Trust, felt a deep parallel between his experience of this “ultimate polar challenge” and Shackleton's. Three years prior, he had unsuccessfully attempted to locate the Endurance. Nico Vincent, head of the underwater team, emphasizes that “failure shapes success,” a legacy left by Shackleton.
Chin and his wife, Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, maintain suspense until the end of the documentary, where viewers finally discover the wreck. This choice, while frustrating, is justified by the director: “This was a great story with a great payoff, but you have to earn it, right?”
With AFP
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