#SHACKLETONcalling – In celebration of the greatest survival story of all time!.. All Shackletons, Creans, McCarthys and descendants of the 28-strong crew of the legendary Endurance expedition (1914-16) will congregate for a momentous Gathering at Dún Laoghaire's Shackleton Exhibition this Friday 11 October.
It was 99 years ago that saw three renowned Irish Explorers - Sir Ernest Shackleton, Tom Crean and Tim McCarthy - embark on what would become the most legendary Antarctica voyage ever – the Endurance expedition.
Five months later disaster struck when the ship was beset by ice leaving the 28 men stranded in 24-hour darkness in the middle of the freezing ocean surviving on seals and penguins for months on end. And then their ship was engulfed by the ocean...
Attendees at this October's Gathering event will relive this remarkable story of survival and persistence told through the actual photographs and video clips taken on the expedition.
Everyone with an interest in the Endurance story is welcome to attend and meet the Hon. Alexandra Shackleton (Sir Ernest Shackleton's granddaughter), four generations of Creans (including Tom Crean's Great-Great Grandson, 13 year old Ben O'Brien) and many more descendants of these remarkable men.
The exhibition, which opened at Dún Laoghaire Ferry Terminal last year, features over 150 real photographs and videos recorded by the expedition photographer, Frank Hurley including the video of the Endurance disintegrating and sinking.
Each picture brings a different part of the story to life: the treacherous open boat journey to Elephant Island, the endless trek across the ice, the impossible 800-mile rescue mission across the South Atlantic Ocean.
The expedition goes down in history as one of the most significant maritime rescue feats of all time. After more than twenty-four gruelling months, the skill, the bravery, the extraordinary persistence of these men and their heroic Irish leader, brought every crew member from the Endurance Expedition home safe and sound.
The Gathering event is to take place this Friday at the Shackleton Exhibition at the front of the Ferry Terminal in Dún Laoghaire and is timed for 11am to 12.30pm.
All Shackletons, Creans McCarthys and other descendants of the Endurance crew are welcome free of charge.
Admission to the exhibition for other attendees is €5 per person.
A special lunch with talks on the Endurance Expedition will take place at the Royal St. George Yacht Club from 1pm to 5pm, cost €20. A limited number of places are still available so please book early.
The Shackleton Exhibition is open all year round. Further information: www.shackletonexhibition.com
