Gathering to mark greatest survival story of all time

DESCENDANTS of the 28-strong crew of the legendary 1914-1916 Endurance expedition will congregate at a momentous Gathering at Dún Laoghaire’s Shackleton Exhibition on Friday (October 11).

Shackletons, Creans, and McCarthys will be at the event running from 11am -12.30pm to celebrate the most incredible survival story of all time.

Almost 100 years ago three renowned Irish explorers – Sir Ernest Shackleton, Tom Crean and Tim McCarthy – embarked on what would become the most legendary Antarctica voyage ever staged.

However, the 1914-1916 Endurance expedition would end in disaster. Five months after they set off their ship was surrounded by thick ice leaving the 28 men stranded in 24-hour darkness in the middle of the freezing ocean.

They survived by eating seals and penguins for months on end before the ocean eventually engulfed their ship.

Attendees at this Gathering event in Dun Laoghaire will relive this remarkable story of survival and persistence 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 Honorary 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, and includes footage of the Endurance disintegrating and sinking.

Each picture brings a different part of the story to life including the treacherous open boat journey to Elephant Island, the endless trek across the ice, and 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 24 gruelling months, the skill, the bravery, and 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 takes place at the Shackleton Exhibition, Ferry Terminal, Dún Laoghaire on Friday, October 11 from 11am to 12.30pm.

Admission is e5 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 and costs

?¬20.

A limited number of places are still available so book early. The Shackleton Exhibition is open all year round.