Discover the Rv-Leeway-Odyssey: Ratings & Maritime News

An expedition organized by the Royal Canadian Geographical Society has made a remarkable discovery in the Labrador Sea, unveiling the wreck of Sir Ernest Shackleton's last exploration vessel, the 'Quest'. The team embarked on their journey aboard the 'Leeway Odyssey' from St. John's on June 6, 2024, and located the 'Quest' at a depth of 390 meters, just northwest of St. John’s and east of Battle Harbour, Labrador. Shackleton, a legendary figure in polar exploration, tragically passed away on the 'Quest' while on its way to Antarctica, a pivotal moment that signaled the end of the Heroic Age of Antarctic exploration. The ill-fated vessel met its demise on May 5, 1962, after sustaining damage from ice during a seal hunt off the historic waters of the Mi’kmaq, Innu, and Inuit peoples. Interestingly, the 'Quest' was originally intended for a Canadian Arctic expedition before the plans were scrapped by the government under Prime Minister Arthur Meighen, forcing Shackleton to redirect his mission southward. This significant find establishes a deeper connection between Canada and the legacy of Shackleton, as expedition members from Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Norway included oceanographers, historians, and descendants of the 'Quest' crew. Chief Mi’sel Joe of the Miawpukek First Nation, a co-patron of the expedition, praised the team's efforts in a statement released prior to a press conference scheduled for June 12 to announce the discovery. The 'Quest's journey began on September 17, 1921, with the Shackleton-Rowett Expedition departing London. On January 5, 1922, Shackleton suffered a fatal heart attack while anchored at Grytviken Harbour on South Georgia Island, passing away at the age of 47. Upon his wife's request, he was laid to rest there. Following his death, the expedition continued for six more months before the 'Quest' returned to London and was sold to Norway’s Schjelderup family, transitioning into a sealer. As World War II loomed, the Royal Canadian Navy requisitioned the 'Quest' to transport coal from Sydney, N.S. to Halifax, later refitting the vessel into a minesweeper. However, it ultimately served as a water supply boat in England throughout the war. On April 1, 1962, the ship became trapped in the ice of the Labrador Sea, where it was crushed severely, leading to a leak that worsened over time. By May 5, water had overtaken the engines, prompting Captain Olav Johannessen to evacuate the crew and valuable cargo. The 'Quest' sank at 5:40 p.m., with Johannessen reporting its last position via telegram to its owners in Norway. The searching mission commenced on June 9, 2024, with the wreck being identified almost 18 hours later at 7:41 p.m. Newfoundland time, confirmed on the sixth of 17 target lines, approximately 2.5 kilometers from its last known position. Further exploration is planned using remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to conduct a thorough survey of the wreck. For a detailed report, including photos, visit: https://canadiangeographic.ca/articles/wreck-of-quest-famed-antarctic-explorer-sir-ernest-shackletons-last-ship-found-in-labrador-sea/