An expedition funded by the Royal Canadian Geographical Society (RCGS) is set to explore the Quest wreck that lies nearly 400 meters below the Labrador Sea, where it sank in 1962. The venture aims to create an extensive digital record of the ship using cutting-edge Canadian underwater imaging technology developed by Voyis, a company based in Waterloo, Ontario. The primary goal is to construct a high-resolution digital twin of the wreck and subsequently survey Terra Nova, the vessel that carried British explorer Robert Falcon Scott to Antarctica.
CBC News will be the exclusive Canadian media onboard the research vessel Atlantis during this 21-day expedition departing from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute in Massachusetts on July 2. This initiative marks a shift in underwater archaeology towards digitally documenting delicate shipwrecks rather than physical recovery.
Renowned shipwreck hunter David Mearns, co-chief scientist of the expedition, views this opportunity to document both the Quest and Terra Nova wrecks as a rare event. The Quest, which carried Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton on his final voyage, sank off Labrador’s south coast, while Terra Nova rests in waters about 30 km south of the Greenland mainland.
The expedition aims to investigate what the shipwrecks can reveal, focusing on the debris field surrounding the wrecks to uncover clues about their final moments. Utilizing advanced imaging equipment, including lasers and stereo cameras, researchers from Voyis will create a three-dimensional digital model of the wrecks and their surroundings in real-time through a process called photogrammetry.
Digital photogrammetry provides a safer and more precise method compared to traditional underwater surveys involving divers. Voyis, a company specializing in underwater imaging for various industries, sees this expedition as an opportunity to apply its technology to scientific exploration and push the boundaries of its capabilities.
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding the expedition, success is uncertain due to the challenging conditions of the Labrador Sea. Strong currents and poor visibility at depths pose significant risks, requiring meticulous piloting of the remotely operated vehicle to navigate around potential obstacles. The team remains hopeful for a successful mission, emphasizing the importance of all components working seamlessly for optimal outcomes.