The Story of Ernest Shackleton: The South Pole Failure that Turned into an Incredible Survival Story

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[@fourtyfivefudd]

It’s strange this episode came out when it did because just a few days after this came out researchers found Shackletons sunk ship. There’s submersible drone photos of it being in almost pristine and untouched condition

[@SandrA-hr5zk]

I thought it was crazy too. On top of the fact that he records these weeks or months in advance. It sounded familiar but I couldn't quite put my finger on it. So I went searching through my watch history to make sure I wasn't crazy. The new photos are amazing.

[@Kenkasan]

But, wasn't it crushed ? Pristine ?

[@fourtyfivefudd]

@@Kenkasan well yeah I mean the hull was totally destroyed due to the ice, which is why it sank in the first place, but I’m talking more about the wood itself and the paint, nothing has deteriorated like you may see with other ship wrecks if the same age or even younger. Just due to the temperature and depth, it’s about in the same condition as the day it sunk. There’s some submersible drone footage of it online and the paint and decal’s and name of the ship are all still there. Looks like it could have sunk yesterday it’s in such “good condition” (I’ll use that term lightly considering it’s at the bottom of the ocean lol”. It’s easy to imagine what it would looked like since a lot of the ship is still intact and you can see all the detail and craftsmen ship that was involved in the making.

[@Loralanthalas]

Not that big. An article posts a ship has been funded to go find XXXX. The basement crew reads over an expedition being launched and proceeds to add that to the list, it gets approved, researched, written, edited, told, and then edited and launched--- months later, "coincidence" happens.

[@Mrcaffinebean]

More than likely just very good planning. The Endurance22 expedition was well underway when this was released. So if it was planned Kudos to the team for planning this video!

[@TheKamzok]

Just five days after the posting of this video, Ernest Shackleton's ship "Endurance" was found under 3km of ice in the Weddell Sea. Truly remarkable timing, Simon. As always.

[@QUARTERMASTEREMI6]

I clicked on this video for that very reason because I heard the news recently! ☺️🙂

[@kali3665]

Sir Raymond Priestly: “For scientific discovery, give me Scott; for speed and efficiency of travel, give me Amundsen; but when disaster strikes and all hope is gone, get down on your knees and pray for Shackleton." One of the great quotes from history.

[@StefanMedici]

I would have added, "and if at sea pray Worsley is your navigator".

[@adamloverin231]

“It’s time to eat the dogs.” An oft heard quote back then and usually meant bad news.

[@mastick5106]

Don't forget the rest of the quote: "Incomparable in adversity, he was the miracle worker who would save your life against all the odds and long after your number was up. The greatest leader that ever came on God's earth, bar none."

[@joshreynolds6763]

@@mastick5106 I've just finished reading the book endurance and it probably is the greatest I've ever read. If it was a fiction novel I would have thrown it in the bin as being too far fetched. I remember a really great teacher called Mr. Shenton when I was 10 teaching us about the great polar explorers because we were ahead of our work. I think looking back he just wanted to instill in us how far the human spirit is willing to endure, quite apt considering the name of the vessel. Sorry for the long message but could you please let me know the location of the extended quote so I can purchase and read the whole? Thank you.

[@mastick5106]

@@joshreynolds6763 I'm not precisely sure what the source of the quote is; I've simply seen it in multiple places online, but none have a specific reference. However, I suspect that it comes from Sir Raymond's diaries, which I do not believe are generally available. I know it is not in the chapter he wrote in Antarctic Research, and it wasn't in any of the parts I've read of his book Antarctic Adventure: Scott's Northern Party (although I've read only a small portion of it).

[@TheWaterboarders]

Can you do the other half of this story? The Ross Sea Party risked everything to lay out supply depots for Shackleton after he had reached the South Pole to enable him to cross the Antarctic. It's a great story of determination and survival for a man that never arrived.

[@hideousruin]

The cat Mrs. Chippy (actually a male) was so named because he was so often in the company of his owner, the ships carpenter Harry McNeish (Chippy was apparently a common nickname for carpenters). McNeish never forgave Shackleton for having him killed and literally took it all the way to the grave. McNeish fell on hard times later in life and was buried in an unmarked grave. Years later a historical society had a headstone and slab added to the grave. They also had a life-size bronze statue of Mrs. Shippy cast and he rests eternally on his master's grave. As a cat lover that one always hits me in the feels.

[@Valthoran90]

Yeah I got a bit upset hearing about that too. I love my cat.

[@ConnieHirsch]

And McNeish was one of the crew that went along on the open boat self-rescue, so you can imagine the hundreds of miles he spent staring resentfully at Shackleton during it. He should have been more acknowledged, because the carpentry skills he possessed were a big factor in getting them all through successfully.

[@hideousruin]

@@ConnieHirsch That's true. He modified the lifeboat didn't he? Amongst other things I mean. And wasn't he a trained shipwright?

[@vanyadolly]

Same. I can't criticize Shackleton's decision since I don't know the first thing about arctic survival, but a cat doesn't eat much. I'd imagine the moral support it could give the whole crew would be worth it. I 'm sure both Shackleton and McNeish were good men in their own right, but as humans we don't always get along or make the right choices.

[@kyley3578]

@@vanyadolly According to one book on Shackleton, they were afraid of the sled dogs eating Mrs. Chippy when they started running out of food. I guess it was a more dignified death 🤷

[@orangeradishneo]

I'm so excited to start watching. Back in 4th grade, i had a teacher who's surname was Shackleton, a descendant of Ernest! I have such a bad memory, yet somehow remember this!

[@iamalpharius3959]

Thats very interesting. I am shackletons relative. And i know who you speak of. Small world. I wont reveal anymore. There just is not alot of teachers within my family tree.

[@Williestyle-RobotechxMacross-x]

"Difficulties are just things to overcome, after all" - Ernest Shackleton. Epic! Thank you Simon and everyone ! ☺

[@alanamacdonald322]

Omg SIMON they found the ship yesterday. It's so perfectly preserved that you can still read the name on the bow. I was listening to this episode like as they we finding it underwater. 100 years after he died and the boat has been found finally. Had to share the news. Great work as always

[@QUARTERMASTEREMI6]

I clicked on this video for that very reason because I heard the news recently! ☺️🙂

[@ElkoJohn]

Much obliged for this presentation.

[@westrim]

I always find the reactions of societies to certain people interesting. Scott fundamentally screwed up in numerous ways, yet he was lauded for decades while Shackleton was forgotten, left in the dustbin of history until he was rediscovered in the 80s. Both failed, but Scott failed through his own faults, while Shackleton had failure thrust upon him, and within it rose to enormous heights of leadership and perseverance.

[@colbeausabre8842]

I read "Shackleton's Valiant Voyage" (a re-naming of the book "Endurance" ) when I was in junior high in the Mid-Sixties. IIRC "Endurance" was written in the Fifties, so Shackleton was hardly forgotten until the Eighties,

[@seanmcgrath7700]

Would be amazing if you did an episode on Tom Crean, an Irish explorer on all these voyuges. There is a serious story to be told on biographics. Love the work.

[@BenSwagnerd]

This made me very happy. Reminded me of my favorite grad school professor aka my Canadian dad, an Irish-Canadian ex member of the Royal Canadian Navy who later specialized in algae but has been on several trips to Antarctica. Before the Pandemic when he’d still travel, I’d house sit and take care of his two beautiful ginger cats - Charlotte and Shackleton.

[@BenSwagnerd]

Oh goodness I might cry I’ve just gotten to the part with Mrs Chippy and I’m pretty sure that’s what their last cat was named. My professor always got so emotional (he hid it well but I could tell because he was JUST like my dad) when he’d talk about the previous cat he had who had died shortly before I’d started my program.

[@RacerM53]

10 seconds in and I'm subbed to an awesome new history channel...well played Simon...well played

[@Dank-gb6jn]

This story is one of my favorites from history! Shackleton was a born leader and weathered the unthinkable to get his men home.

[@michaelgallagher3640]

Check out the Endurance story on Timeline, it shows how selfish and inability to listen to anything.

[@timsytanker]

@@michaelgallagher3640 how many men died exactly?

[@amandam8609]

Does anyone know the arctic expedition where one guy was found with a spoon tied to his wrist because his hand fell off from frostbite? There was cannibalism involved, they ate candle wax and boot leather at one point. I watched a documentary on it years ago and can’t for the life of me remember what expedition it was. This is driving me crazy, someone must know what I’m talking about 😩

[@AndyUK-Corrival]

@@amandam8609 you probably mean the Franklin Expedition. Erebus and Terror.

[@roscojenkins7451]

That's the difference between a leader and a boss. A boss will command men to go on suicide missions. A leader will be first on the boat

[@planetdisco4821]

The story of Shackleton and the Endurance is an absolute epic. If it were a work of fiction you’d never believe it. As they sailed to South Georgia island they encountered a storm with waves reaching up to 80 feet. 80 feet! The lifeboat pretty much fell to bits when they made landfall and when they decided to link arms and slide down the glacier it was because they were in a total white-out blizzard and left with no choice. When they finally staggered into the whaling camp one of the crewmen was to embarrassed to enter because his trousers had been ripped and his buttocks were exposed (which is just so terribly british lol) Truly one of the greatest ex-lovers ever to have lived. Bravo Ernest! You’ll never be forgotten. Also great timing Simon, you released this almost exactly at the same time as the amazing submarine footage of a perfectly preserved Endurance lying only 6 miles away from Wolsey’s estimated last position at 3008 metres below sea level. Seeing the bridge with the words “Endurance” still proudly emblazoned across it over 100 years later made my hair stand on end and brought a tear to my eye.

[@lacyLor]

Yes!! Been waiting for this one!

[@barryjenkins6137]

was fortunate enough to visit his grave at Grytviken on South Georgia and leave a plaque I made, also copied his route from where he landed and across the mountains to the whaling station, hard work in peak fitness and modern gear so how they managed after what they had gone through is remarkable.

[@adrianbourke2661]

They found Endurance today! Also Tom Crean would be a great man for a biographics episode

[@WAL_DC-6B]

The post WWII, Royal Air Force, Avro Shackleton, maritime patrol aircraft was named after the famous explorer. The Shackleton's development traces back to Avro's famous Lancaster bomber.

[@andyyang3029]

That's cool!

[@Librarian356]

Simon, you legend, not a week after you post this video they find the wreck of his ship.

[@CPTColvin]

I was actually disappointed when this episode ended, I was really intrigued by his story and was hoping there would be more

[@ewestner]

Shackleton also probably felt that way.

[@simonmason5763]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/pV7bY3mDoJKto9U

[@rickjohansson4257]

Read the book Endurance. It’s an incredible read.

[@mikehuggenberger8307]

@@rickjohansson4257 I just finished the book. Simply an amazing, almost unbelievable, story of survival.

[@jirieskelinen5607]

btw Frank Worsley has been said by many to be one of the best navigators ever. The fact that Worsley with only relatively few readings was able to get the boat to SG island is one of the greatest achievements in maritime navigation.

[@c_rock3512]

I just finished endurance yesterday and Worsleys skill cannot be underrated. His ability to navigate perfectly in the worst conditions on earth with minimal equipment is legendary.

[@stevenbecker5571]

Worsley was the real and mostly unsung hero of this saga. Of course, had Shackleton taken Worsley's advice at multiple points earlier in the saga, there wouldn't have been a saga because they wouldn't have gotten stranded in the first place.

[@RobBoudreau]

So true. Not taking anything from Shackleton, but without Frank Worsley they would never have survived. He was an incredible navigator, his skill never more needed or evident than the trip to South Georgia.

[@StefanMedici]

Good to see Worsley getting some recognition

[@TheMountainMan001]

Without Shackleton we have no great story, Without Worsley we’d of lost all men writing that story! Let’s not forget the unstoppable determination of them both, to ensure the safe return of all men, no matter how inconceivably impossible the task seemed, The 2 were meant to be on that expedition together, it was meant to be, and all men returned safely. Greatness🇬🇧

[@vanyadolly]

@@RobBoudreau People might not know his name as widely as they should, but usually "the navigator" is given credit for nailing that impossible voyage from elephant island that saved them all. The best thing about this story IMO is that although Shackleton was the leader, it was through the combined efforts of several men that they survived. I think ultimately Shackleton's highest contribution was keeping the men motivated.

[@c_rock3512]

Worsley’s skill at navigation was insane. Him and Shackleton were an unreal duo.

[@AvB.83]

What those artic/antarctic explorers set out to, somewhat knowingly, face is, I think, completely unthinkable today. Shackleton however... what he and his crew managed to do is on another level. Not a single man lost on a mission like this, if anyone had written this as a story, no one would have believed it.

[@FreeFallingAir]

Great video as always Simon! But is anyone watching the series on Shackleton on History Hit? They're going to the Antarctic in an Icebreaker, it's been awesome so far.

[@russkiraider01]

I love this video! Thank you so much for sharing! I would love it more if you stated your sources so we could delve in further!

[@hannibalchow8492]

This aired right before they found his ship!!! Still preserved in the cold water. Simon and his crew, absolute legends for hitting this spot on.

[@stevenholmes5099]

I looked like 2 years ago and there was nearly no info on this. Thank you for covering it, it's an amazing survival story. You should expose people to the story of "into thin air" and "Touching the void". Both tragedies and amazing survival stories

[@about7grams]

I salute you, Mrs Chippy. You gave the ultimate sacrifice. You died a hero.

[@markkar4663]

The book 'Endurance' is by far the greatest story I have ever read. It goes into fine detail of the men on Elephant Island and Shackleton's trek across South Georgia.

[@ooppitz1]

Shackleton‘s story is … just incredible. A twenty minute video cannot possibly do it justice, not by a long stretch. I highly recommend his book!

[@AllDayBikes]

That was a captivating story my guy, Kudos.

[@ljphoenix4341]

Simon, Jehron, and whoever edited this, thank you! This was absolutely amazing video, super interesting. Great storytelling.

[@Young0ne71]

Gotta shed a tear seeing it called Business Blaze in the video description. #RIP

[@TheKulu42]

When you think your situation is bad, remember Shackleton and soldier on. Enjoyed the video! Oh, I understand that Shackleton and company offered to forgo the expedition and put themselves and their ship into the war effort, but King George told them to proceed because of the journey's possible boost to national morale.

[@mariafaizan5596]

Hb hb hb b ml))

[@jackspring7709]

When the Endurance went down in the ice, Shackleton's immortal words to his men were: "So now we go home" - and they did. Another remarkable story of survival at sea along the lines of Shackleton's is Captain Bligh's boat journey after being set adrift from The Bounty: it's a story not often recognised because I guess it has been overshadowed by the mutiny itself.

[@michaelcraik5576]

They've just found Endurance... amazing!

[@patrickmontie9583]

This is one of the most amazing survival stories in history.

[@raymondroberts1905]

You should cover the kon tiki story. Damned intriguing

[@shadowmane55]

Stories like this and the one of William Bligh are so astounding... These men really expand what you think of as the limit of human perseverance to astronomical degrees. Fascinating listen.

[@PeacelordApropos]

KZbin brought me here right after watching the news where they found the endurance! Good job fact boy! Timing is everything

[@UncleManuel]

You gotta love the English language for "the Antarctic expedition went south"... 🤪😁😁😁

[@beachboy0505]

Excellent video 📹 SHACKLETON: THE JOURNEY IS THE DESTINATION. The man was a living legend. When he came back, his homeland had changed

[@BigBubbaloola]

What amazes me is that they kept filming and taking photos AND brought them back with them.

[@jacobthornock317]

I do not read books that often, but having read his history before, many flashbacks to the images he painted and conditions were brought to memory.

[@VashGames]

Is amazing how much faith the crew had in him.

[@edwardnino9896]

You are a great story teller, I view all your channels, full speed ahead!!

[@BrilliantDesignOnline]

Now >THAT< is an incredible story. Wow. Mrs. Chippy was a SAD unnecessary sacrifice. I had heard of Shackleton, but thank you for fleshing out the tale. No one was lost: amazing (except Chippy).

[@mooseknuckle8946]

Shackelton's book "South" is a riveting read. The most amazing fact is he didn't lose a single man. Mores the pity because several of his crew died in the trenches of WW1.

[@vanyadolly]

I think that goes to show why some men were so eager to so something extraordinary while they were alive. Death was much more prevalent in those days. It's a different world we live in now.

[@steanthony6219]

A team of scientists have just found Endurance, another very well timed video release from Fact Boy!

[@darlingicarus]

shackleton's advertisement omg 😂 honesty is the best policy i guess! excellent video as always Simon, I love the mix of factual and emotive storytelling.

[@julianaylor4351]

See what's left of the Shackleton's ship Endurance on most news channels. Expect a television program about it. You can read a book of Shackleton's diaries from his times in Antarctica, look for it. Likewise there is a book of photographs taken on that failed trip, where he lost his ship Endurance. ❤️

[@dunduddy]

My grandmother use to tell me this story growing up (obviously a very dumbed down version). She use to tell me the reason I couldn't stay in place for very long was because it's in my blood to explore. I don't personally carry the Shackleton last name but my grandmother still does regardless of being married twice.

[@kittymervine6115]

when an exhibit travelled to the US, I broke all the rules and reached out and touched the James Caird. I had to, as the book "Endurance" was one the boys only in my school were required to read. Having a brother, he let me read it also, and for both of us when our parents went through a difficult divorce, he pulled out a beat up copy of the book "Endurance", and took the leadership lessons to heart, and how we both now had to support each other through this difficult time. When one felt down, the other would keep the other going. He took me to get my drivers license, I would read his grades, our parents had basically focused on themselves and so we took on the roles. (parents are good now, it was hard on them also). But that BOOK, saved us all and his leadership skills should be read by ALL students.

[@thepretenda]

The film by Kenneth Branagh is a wonderful adaptation of his astonishing adventure. Great theme music too :)

[@BlindDilbert]

You released this about a week early. They just announced today they have found the Endurance!

[@phoenixsixxrising]

Just announced this morning (March 9 2022): The Endurance has been found by ROV! Great timing!

[@davecalneggia6285]

... Pretty amazing man thats dor sure .. i remember reading of his kife in school and decades layer it stikk blows me away !

[@cerealfamine1]

I wonder if they will every discover the Endurance shipwreck, would be cool!

[@mikkareads]

You're joking, right? Take a look at the other recent comments. ;-)

[@adambraziel5669]

I literally just finished reading South today! What a helluva coincidence.

[@ksturmer5388]

Good Timing!!! They have just found his ship, in the Antarctic!!!

[@Retrorespawnrelics]

This needs to be a movie

[@Mikehood96]

Why have I only learned of a new Simon Channel a month later 😤😤 ALLEGEDLY of course

[@silk1435]

Agreed

[@shanegarm]

Listening to this story of freezing wet windswept conditions....from my toasty room wrapped in a blanket with hot chocolate. Life is rough...and good!

[@larryscott3982]

The Aurora has a horrific tale as well. And a dedication to the mission at great personal sacrifice. Worthy of a Side Project, IMO.

[@TheEvilCommenter]

Good video 👍

[@viridiscoyote7038]

Good-ish timing; they just announced the discovery of The Endurance!

[@USMC-Goforth]

I have letters that have been certified as written by Ernest Shackleton. They were given to a family member who lived in Sodus Point, New York. I now have them down here in Pasadena Texas.

[@geezzzwdf]

Well as you strive to give us what we want , you just may end up the smartest Program host on the internet. Thank you for interesting topics.

[@BaronessErsatz]

May I please suggest a subject? The City Hall for Kansas City MO. Celebrating it's 85th birthday, it was built under the auspices of FDR's Alphabet Soup approach to the Great Depression. Interestingly, Pendergast Concrete was used, but because of the importance of the project, Tom pulled out all the stops and used the very best materials and processes for this. As a result, it has withstood plenty in its time, and Tom clearly couldn't top it.

[@khathaway414]

Simon really does believe in quantity as far as KZbin channels go.

[@armandobenavidez5682]

They just found the ship today!!!

[@ignitionfrn2223]

1:15 - Chapter 1 - Looking for adventure 7:25 - Chapter 2 - The last great challenge 14:20 - Chapter 3 - A million to one - Chapter 4 - - Chapter 5 - - Chapter 6 -

[@linny9842]

New channel!!!!

[@joshuaarend620]

They found the ship!

[@derekgardiner3583]

I jus follow Simon on the internet 🖖😁

[@claytonbouldin9381]

I learned in another documentary Shackleton wanted to leave for his trip when he did even though he was warned not to go. However, he had just been caught having an affair by his wife and wanted to get far far away as soon as possible.

[@bettyswallocks6411]

The timing! Is Simon a necromancer?

[@simonbeaird7436]

In 2000 the polar explorer Arvad Fuchs and three companions repeated the voyage from Elephant Island to South Georgia in a replica of the boat used by Shackleton and his crew. That included crossing South Georgia on foot. 👍👍

[@Not-THAT-ChrisPratt]

I watched that too. It was horrifying to watch, even with another ship nearby. I can't imagine what it was like for Shackleton and his crew just over 100 years ago!

[@jordanmcmanaman8008]

Here because of the discovery of The Endurance. Unbelievable condition, basically perfectly preserved with the only damage to the ship being from the initial accident.

[@somethingforeverybody1542]

Well who knew. I haven’t heard about Warographics on the other ten thousand channels of Simon. 😂❤🎉 Need more input.

[@somethingforeverybody1542]

Simon might not know that Short Circuit reference. 😂😅😊❤

[@Koda89]

The *timing* of this video, holy crap!!!

[@wanabezz]

God damn Simon, they genuinely found the ship the day before yesterday

[@orbtastic]

That chap photographed with the ship's cat is a stowaway. Percy Blackborow is a pretty interesting footnote to the whole story and he's also the guy who had his toes amputated.

[@glennk.7348]

Did you record this video before or after they found His ship this past week? 😮

[@terrafirma5327]

Imagine having great health and great intellect. I only have the latter... and that is hindered by my health as well. I am glad our species has put out men like this guy who can do what others less fortunate cannot.

[@Christmas7731]

Anyone coming to watch this video because they actually found the ship?

[@mikkareads]

My husband told me that the ship had been found mere hours after I'd saved this video to my watchlist. Huh.

[@Legendary_Sid]

They have just found his sunk ship (5.3.22)! They found it 3008m deep.

[@1pcfred]

Shackleton was the definition of bad ass.

[@mikegrazick1795]

Looking at you Hollywood, this would make a great historical movie!

[@xtremenortherner]

Its too bad that William Shatner would be too elderly to play the part of Earnest Shackleton..., he would have been perfect!

[@03daphnert]

I'm reading "Endurance" right now!

[@loveisinportant5570]

Such an interesting story. I wonder why the algorithm buried this video compared to so many others.

[@carbonized5114]

Fun fact since you did words we use wrong, Nimrod was a legendary hunter, back in the 50s or whatever bugs made fun of fudd, mocking him calling him Nimrod when clearly he's not. People didn't get it and thought Nimrod was a synonym for idiot.

[@DanimaldAnimal85]

This should be a film

[@C4PTaNM0RGaN]

This was my idea!!!

[@mitchhuck]

fact boy, you have impeccable timing. they just found the boat

[@minervacuervo4662]

That 5 minute nap though 😆

[@norecipenecessary6864]

Just read they have found the Endurance virtually intact on the ocean floor

[@HCivicFg2]

Simon, are you just trying have the most youtube channels?

[@silk1435]

He already does

[@troyyoung953]

Fantastic

[@DeanDominoOfTheSierraMadre]

They slid on their butts, no makeshift rope sled, It was three failed attempts to rescue the crew on Elephant island before the fourth successful one , and violence was not brewing on Elephant island. I have read “Endurance” by Alfred Lansing and “South” by Shackleton himself. Both books confirm the corrections above.