Ernest Shackleton

Ernest Shackleton was a British explorer of Antarctica. He was born in Ireland in 1874. He led one of the most amazing survival stories in history. When his ship was crushed by ice, he saved every member of his crew.

Early Life

Shackleton loved adventure from a young age. He joined the merchant navy at 16. He went on his first Antarctic expedition with Robert Scott. He fell in love with the icy continent and vowed to return.

Big Achievements

In 1914, Shackleton's ship Endurance got stuck in Antarctic ice and was crushed. He and his crew lived on the ice for months. Shackleton then sailed a tiny boat 800 miles across dangerous seas to get help. He rescued every single crew member.

Fun Facts

• The Endurance was trapped in ice for 10 months before being crushed.
• Shackleton's crew survived by eating seals and penguins.
• Not a single person died during the Endurance expedition.

Did You Know?

Shackleton's 800-mile boat journey to South Georgia Island is considered one of the greatest feats of seamanship ever. He crossed mountains with no map to reach a whaling station and get help.