The quest to survey Ernest Shackleton's last ship
Jul 9, 2026 · 11m
Summary
The Mike Smyth Show features John Geiger and Dwight Coleman from the Labrador Sea, discussing the historic discovery of Ernest Shackleton’s final ship, the Quest. The guests detail the technical challenges of using the submersible ALVIN to capture the first images of the wreck at 390 meters deep. They describe the ship’s surprising preservation, its role as an artificial reef, and plans to create a digital twin before exploring Robert Falcon Scott’s last vessel.
Topics discussed
Introduction: Discovery of Shackleton's final ship, the Quest
Guest introductions: John Geiger and Dwight Coleman
History of the Quest: From Arctic plans to Shackleton's death
Technical challenges: Using submersible ALVIN and ROVs
John Geiger's experience diving to the wreck
Condition of the wreck: Preservation and fishing nets
Marine life: The ship as an artificial reef
Mission goals and upcoming visit to Scott's ship
Future of the wreck: Digital twin and legal status
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