Experience Shackleton’s Endurance shipwreck in 3D at FOS Future Lab

Found on 5^th March 2022 by the Endurance22 expedition, the shipwreck remains remarkably preserved, with visible artefacts like dining plates, a flare gun and a boot believed to belong to Frank Wild, Shackleton’s second-in-command — which you can see for yourself at the Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard in stunning high-resolution 3D as part of FOS Future Lab presented by Randox.

A technological triumph, the 3D model has been created from 25,000 4K images captured by Voyis’ Insight Pro laser scanner and Observer Pro imaging system, with contributions from Deep Ocean Search. Voyis’ “True-Colour” correction technology ensures the wreck’s colours appear as if brought ashore, revealing details like the ship’s name arced across the stern and grooves in the seafloor from its final descent. 

This digital recreation allows visitors to explore the 144-foot vessel from bow to stern, including artefacts like a flare gun fired by the expedition’s photographer Frank Hurley as the ship sank. The model’s accuracy, enhanced by Deep Ocean Search’s expertise, sets a new standard for underwater archaeology, making Goodwood the only place to experience this level of detail in 2025.

The Falklands Maritime Heritage Trust, led by expedition leader Dr. John Shears and exploration director Mensun Bound, used Saab’s Sabertooth autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) to locate the wreck four miles south of Captain Frank Worsley’s recorded position.

"Without any exaggeration, this is the finest wooden shipwreck I have ever seen by far," said Bound at the time of its discovery, marvelling at its condition due to the Weddell Sea’s cold waters and lack of wood-eating organisms. "It is upright, well proud of the seabed, intact, and in a brilliant state of preservation."

In 1914, Shackleton and his 27-man crew set sail to attempt the first land crossing of Antarctica. Trapped by pack ice in January 1915, the Endurance drifted for months before being crushed and eventually sinking on 21^st November. The crew camped on ice floes, then rowed lifeboats to Elephant Island in the Southern Ocean.

Shackleton and five others then made an 800-mile open-boat journey to South Georgia, securing rescue for all. This tale of resilience, documented by Hurley’s iconic photographs, is also celebrated in the National Geographic documentary Endurance. Now, the exhibit at FOS Future Lab brings this saga to life.

“This has been the most complex subsea project ever undertaken, with several world records achieved to ensure the safe detection of Endurance,” said Nico Vincent, Endurance22’s subsea project manager.

The expedition’s success, supported by photographers like Esther Horvath, also included educational outreach, engaging thousands of students worldwide via live broadcasts. “We hope our discovery will engage young people and inspire them with the pioneering spirit,” Bound added.

A hub for cutting-edge technology like AI and electric vehicles, FOS Future Lab is the ideal place to see this interactive 3D model in all its glory. Visitors can explore the wreck’s details, from its toppled masts to crew artefacts, fostering interest in STEM and maritime history. It’s a must-see for tech and history enthusiasts.

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The 2025 Festival of Speed takes place on 10^th-13^th July. While admission tickets have now sold out, you can still join us with our range of hospitality experiences that are still available. 

Images courtesy of Esther Horvath.