An upcoming expedition backed by the Royal Canadian Geographical Society (RCGS) is set to explore the wreckage of the Quest ship, which sank in 1962 nearly 400 meters beneath the Labrador Sea. The project aims to create an advanced digital replica of the vessel using cutting-edge Canadian underwater imaging technology developed by Voyis, a company based in Waterloo, Ontario.
The research team, including members from CBC News, will embark on a 21-day journey from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute in Massachusetts starting on July 2. Their primary focus will be on documenting the Quest and Terra Nova ships, which carried renowned Antarctic explorers Sir Ernest Shackleton and Robert Falcon Scott, respectively.
This expedition marks a significant shift in underwater archaeology, prioritizing the detailed digital preservation of historic shipwrecks over physical recovery efforts. David Mearns, one of the expedition’s co-chief scientists, emphasized the rare opportunity to create high-resolution digital records of the Quest and Terra Nova, both of which played pivotal roles in Antarctic exploration history.
The Quest, where Shackleton passed away in 1922, rests off Labrador’s south coast, while Terra Nova lies about 30 kilometers south of the Greenland mainland. The team’s ultimate goal is to unveil insights into what has endured, changed, and what secrets the wrecks and their debris fields may divulge.
Utilizing advanced imaging tools such as lasers and stereo cameras, the expedition will capture millions of images to construct detailed three-dimensional models of the wreck sites in real-time. This innovative approach, known as digital photogrammetry, offers a safer and more precise alternative to traditional underwater surveys, allowing for thorough analysis and exploration long after the expedition concludes.
Voyis, a company specializing in underwater imagery for various industries, has been enlisted for this groundbreaking project. By leveraging their expertise in digital twin technology, the team hopes to uncover new revelations about the Quest and Terra Nova wrecks, shedding light on their final moments and historical significance.
Despite the excitement surrounding the expedition, challenges lie ahead, particularly in navigating the harsh underwater conditions of the Labrador Sea. Strong currents and poor visibility pose potential obstacles to the success of the mission, requiring meticulous planning and expert piloting of the remote operated vehicles to ensure a comprehensive and fruitful exploration of the shipwrecks.