On November 20, 1915, explorer Ernest Shackelton’s ship Endurance sank to the bottom of the Weddell Sea after months of being slowly crushed by Antarctic sea ice.
For more than 100 years,Endurance remained underwater, its exact location unknown.
But on March 9, an international expedition team announced that it had identified the vessel’s final resting place.
Falklands Maritime Heritage Trust
Falklands Maritime Heritage Trust
The Endurance22 Expedition team set sail aboard the South African polar research vessel S.A. Agulhas IIin February.
The team employed autonomous underwater survey vehicles to scan the ocean and locate Endurance’s remains.
Video: Falklands Maritime Heritage Trust
Falklands Maritime Heritage Trust
The team discovered the wreck four miles south of the location that Endurance’s captain, Frank Worsley, recorded when it sank.
And despite the time gone by, the remains of Endurance — already battered from being crushed by sea ice — are still in considerably good condition.
Roberto Machado Noa/LightRocket/Getty Images
“This is by far the finest wooden shipwreck I have ever seen. It is upright, well proud of the seabed, intact, and in a brilliant state of preservation.”
5. The name Endurance can still be seen on the ship’s stern, 106 years later.
Falklands Maritime Heritage Trust
4. The ship still holds its shape, and sea creatures have found a home in the wreckage.
Falklands Maritime Heritage Trust
3. An array of species have colonized the ship’s deck, too.
Falklands Maritime Heritage Trust
2. Another view of Endurance’s wooden paneling.
Falklands Maritime Heritage Trust
1. Endurance’s debris will be a continual subject of study for surveyors and researchers.
Falklands Maritime Heritage Trust
Falklands Maritime Heritage Trust
The ship will stay in its watery grave for future exploration.
It’s protected as a historical site under the Antarctic Treaty, which prohibits people from touching or disturbing the wreckage — so don’t get your hopes up for a souvenir.