An underwater expedition, funded by the Royal Canadian Geographical Society (RCGS) using a mix of private donations and corporate sponsors, is set to explore the wreck of the Quest in the Labrador Sea. The expedition aims to create a detailed digital record of the ship that carried renowned Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton on his final journey. The research team, equipped with Canadian underwater imaging technology developed by Voyis, plans to construct a high-resolution digital twin of the wreck before moving on to survey Terra Nova, the vessel that transported British explorer Robert Falcon Scott to Antarctica.
CBC News will be the sole Canadian media outlet accompanying the research vessel Atlantis on this 21-day expedition departing from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute in Massachusetts on July 2. The project signifies a shift in underwater archaeology towards digitally documenting fragile shipwrecks rather than recovering them.
Renowned shipwreck hunter and expedition co-chief scientist David Mearns views this endeavor as a unique opportunity, describing it as a “once-in-a-generation” experience. Shackleton, a prominent figure in Antarctic exploration, tragically passed away aboard the Quest in 1922 near South Georgia. The Quest, which continued in service for several decades before sinking off Labrador in 1962, is located less than 500 meters from the province’s south coast in approximately 400 meters of water. The subsequent exploration will focus on Terra Nova, resting roughly 30 km south of the Greenland mainland in about 170 meters of water.
The discovery of the Quest wreck in 2024 has spurred researchers’ interest in uncovering what remains, what has changed, and the potential revelations the wreck and its surrounding debris field may offer. The expedition’s primary goal is to digitally document the wreck and its immediate surroundings using lasers, stereo cameras, and advanced software to create a detailed three-dimensional model, known as a digital twin. Voyis, a Waterloo-based company specializing in underwater imagery, will play a crucial role in this process.
Unlike conventional underwater surveys involving divers, digital photogrammetry offers a safer and more precise method for capturing detailed data. Voyis, primarily catering to industries such as oil and gas, civil infrastructure, and defense, sees expeditions like this as an opportunity to apply their advanced technology to scientific exploration. The success of the mission hinges on various factors, including navigating challenging underwater conditions and ensuring the remote-operated vehicle effectively captures the necessary imagery.
Despite the excitement surrounding the expedition, challenges such as strong underwater currents and poor visibility may pose obstacles to the mission’s success. The research team remains optimistic but acknowledges the unpredictability of exploring depths as profound as those in the Labrador Sea. Efforts to meticulously pilot the underwater drone and navigate the wreck’s surroundings will be critical in ensuring a successful outcome.
