Documentary behind the search for Shackleton's missing ship 'Endurance' to premiere on Sunday
The film chronicles the crew's perseverance and tenacity on board the South African icebreaker, 'Agulhas II' as they search for the 'Endurance'
The film chronicles the crew's perseverance and tenacity on board the South African icebreaker Agulhas II. Picture credit: Supplied
JOHANNESBURG - In 1915, polar explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton lost his ship in icy pack ice, but he made history by surviving for more than a year with his crew of 27 men.
The film chronicles the crew's perseverance and tenacity on board the South African icebreaker, Agulhas II.
Endurance, a National Geographic documentary film directed by Academy Award-winning filmmakers Chai Vasarhelyi, Jimmy Chin and Natalie Hewit, will debut on National Geographic on Sunday, 3 November. It tells the inspirational tales of these two historic expeditions, united by their common tenacity and resolve.
The ship is still intact and has no artifacts removed, but the findings will shed important light on Ernest Shackleton's historic trans-Antarctic journey and present a fantastic chance to tell the tale of Shackleton and his crew of 27 men to future generations.
With Nicolas (Nico) Vincent serving as the expedition subsea manager and marine archaeologist, Mensun Bound, as the director of exploration, the expedition was headed by polar geographer, Dr. John Shears.
Tells the inspirational tales of these two historic expeditions, united by their common tenacity and resolve. Picture credit: Supplied
A team of scientists, archaeologists, and a group of highly skilled extreme environment filmmakers, led by directors Natalie Hewit and Dan Snow, joined them aboard the Agulhas II, which sailed from Cape Town. They captured the events leading up to the historic discovery in real time for History Hit. The team utilised submersibles known as Saab Sabretooths, which are outfitted with 4K cameras and lighting arrays, to aid in the shipwreck's location.
Directors Vasarhelyi and Chin stated: "We have devoted our careers to telling stories about the edge of human experience, exploration, and possibility."
They also added that the definitive true story of adventure and survival against all odds is Ernest Shackleton's Endurance.
"We are able to rediscover Shackleton's tale of adversity, bravery, and leadership through a new perspective when a group of daring explorers and scientists discovered his long-lost ship, which sank in the merciless Weddell Sea more than a century ago. We are excited to collaborate with Nat Hewit and the crew and are looking forward to use state-of-the-art technology to tell this tale of inspiration, friendship, perseverance, and discovery to audiences of all ages in the modern era."