Research challenges narrative of Ernest Shackleton’s Antarctica shipwreck | The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload ourSocial PartnerWe are 8 logo (opens in a new tab)AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleJulia MustoTuesday 07 October 2025 00:31 BSTThe Epic Journey of Shackleton and His Antarctic TrekNew research by Finnish professor Jukka Tuhkuri challenges the long-held understanding of why Sir Ernest Shackleton's ship, HMS Endurance, sank in 1915.The analysis reveals that Endurance, previously considered the strongest polar ship of its era, had several structural deficiencies, including weaker deck beams and frames.Contrary to the popular belief that the rudder was its main weakness, evidence from Shackleton's diaries and crew communications suggests he was aware of the ship's shortcomings.Shackleton had previously recommended diagonal beams for another polar vessel, indicating his knowledge of designing ships for compressive ice, yet he chose a less robust vessel for his expedition.These findings rewrite the history of the disaster, offering a fuller picture of Shackleton's decisions without detracting from his remarkable achievement in ensuring his crew's survival.In fullResearcher rewrites the history of one of the world’s most famous shipwrecks 110 years laterThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in