The Mike Smyth Show The Mike Smyth Show

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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