‘Finding Endurance’ by Darrel Bristow-Bovey
I can attest that reading the extraordinary expeditions of Ernest Shackleton and his voyage on the ship Endurance fascinated me in my formative years. Born and raised in Tasmania meant that I watched the modern Antarctic research vessels sail up into the Hobart port to their ‘mainland’ base from Antarctica.
Shackleton comes to the minds of many when we are discussing Antarctic exploration and more importantly, survival. So, it was intriguing to hear of the discovery of the sunken vessel, Endurance 3008m deep in the Weddell Sea, Southern Ocean in 2022. All eyes once again on the great imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition from 1914-1917.
Trapped in pack ice, haunting but clear photographic images were captured by the ship’s photographer Frank Hurley of the Endurance as it ‘slipped beneath the ice and sunk’ – leaving Shackleton and his 27 men on an epic mission to survive.
Finding Endurance is the new book incorporating both Shackleton’s expedition and profound leadership but also the account of the journey that led to the final discovery of the sunken ship. Astonishingly it was in remarkably good condition, and it was clear just what the searchers had found.
Author Darrel Bristow-Bovey is a ‘Shackleton aficionado’ that has led him to present a new understanding of the depths of human spirit and sheer wild courage needed for survival after the sinking of the Endurance in the face of dire circumstances. Not only for himself but that of the 27 members of his crew.
Not just for maritime historian fans, this is an extraordinary tale of how much the human spirit can endure and overcome. This new tale has piqued my interest again in ‘all things Antarctic’ and as the author says in response to the discovery of Endurance, “The ocean has given us something back…”
Finding Endurance will be available instore and online in July.
ISBN 9781837731060
