After spending 80 years at the bottom of the Labrador Sea, the Terra Nova ship, known for carrying British explorer Robert Falcon Scott to the South Pole, appears drastically altered. Described as a wreck in poor condition, the vessel has piqued the interest of scientists, including David Mearns, who co-led the Canadian expedition to document the ship. The 2012 discovery of the ship off the coast of Greenland marked the beginning of a comprehensive scientific mission to capture detailed imagery of the vessel.
This expedition, led by the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, has now turned its attention to the Quest, another renowned ship that transported explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton on his final Antarctic journey. Utilizing remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and an underwater submersible, the team recently delved into the depths to study this legendary wreck.
The research vessel Atlantis, equipped with advanced technology, employed an ROV to map the Terra Nova wreck, which was originally launched in 1884 and later used by Scott on his final expedition in 1910. Despite now resting 170 meters underwater off the southern coast of Greenland after sinking in 1943, the ship’s distinctive double wheels, rudder, boilers, and steam winches remain visibly intact.
Cutting-edge technology developed by Voyis, based in Waterloo, Ontario, is facilitating the creation of detailed 3D images and mapping of the shipwrecks. Marine biologist Kirstin Meyer-Kaiser emphasizes the significance of the 3D models in providing comprehensive context for her research, enhancing the scientific understanding of these historic wrecks.
The expedition’s co-chief scientist, Dwight Coleman, highlighted the significant advancements in technology that have streamlined the imaging process, eliminating the need for manual photo stitching. By focusing on shipwrecks in northern waters, the expedition aims to bridge existing gaps in maritime knowledge, offering a unique opportunity to study these wrecks in intricate detail.
Meyer-Kaiser’s research extends beyond the wrecks themselves, exploring the marine life that now thrives around these artificial structures. She seeks to understand the ecological impact of human-made objects in the ocean, shedding light on the dynamics between marine life and underwater artifacts.
John Geiger, president of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, views the exploration of the Terra Nova and Quest wrecks as a symbolic return to the pioneering spirit of past explorers. Documenting these historic vessels with modern ocean technology represents a full-circle moment, honoring the legacy of Scott and Shackleton while leveraging contemporary advancements for scientific discovery and learning.