An underwater expedition, funded by the Royal Canadian Geographical Society (RCGS) and supported by private donors and corporate sponsors, is set to explore the wreck of the Quest in the Labrador Sea, where it sank in 1962. The mission aims to create a comprehensive digital record of the vessel that transported renowned Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton on his final journey. Using cutting-edge Canadian underwater imaging technology developed by Voyis in Waterloo, Ontario, researchers plan to construct a high-resolution digital twin of the wreck before moving on to survey the Terra Nova, the ship that carried British explorer Robert Falcon Scott to Antarctica.
Exclusive coverage of the expedition, conducted aboard the research vessel Atlantis, will be provided by CBC News, as scientists document the wrecks during the 21-day voyage departing from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute in Massachusetts on July 2. This initiative reflects a growing trend in underwater archaeology that focuses on digitally preserving delicate shipwrecks rather than attempting recovery operations.
The expedition, described as a ‘once-in-a-generation’ opportunity by shipwreck hunter and co-chief scientist David Mearns, aims to shed light on the historical significance of both the Quest and Terra Nova. Shackleton, a legendary figure in Antarctic exploration, tragically passed away on the Quest in 1922 near South Georgia. The Quest continued in service for several decades before meeting its demise off the coast of Labrador. The wreck of the Quest lies at a depth of approximately 400 meters, while Terra Nova rests about 30 km south of the Greenland mainland in 170 meters of water.
The discovery of the Quest’s wreck in 2024 has raised questions about the condition of the vessel, potential changes over time, and the insights that the wreck and its surrounding debris field may offer. Mearns expressed eagerness to visually confirm the ship’s identity and investigate the artifacts scattered around the wreck, which could provide clues about its final moments. The expedition will utilize advanced imaging technologies, including lasers, stereo cameras, and specialized software, to create detailed three-dimensional models or digital twins of the wrecks in real-time.
Voyis, a Waterloo-based company specializing in underwater imaging, has been enlisted to assist with the expedition, leveraging its expertise in creating digital replicas of significant shipwrecks such as the Titanic and Endurance. The use of digital photogrammetry offers a safer and more precise alternative to traditional underwater surveys, enabling researchers to analyze and revisit findings long after the expedition concludes.
Despite the excitement surrounding the expedition, challenges loom ahead, with factors like unpredictable underwater currents and poor visibility posing potential obstacles for the research team. Successfully navigating these challenges will be crucial for capturing a comprehensive digital record of the shipwrecks, emphasizing the importance of careful planning and execution during the exploration.
