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ZEGRAHM & ECO EXPEDITIONS — Giving You The World 1-800-628-8747 or 206-285-4000 |
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Home > Press Release |
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Press Release |
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For Immediate ReleaseShackleton's History Explored Both in Film and Real LifeSEATTLE, WA — The tale of Sir Ernest Shackleton and the men of the Endurance is "red-hot," according to a story in USA Today. Not only is this amazing Antarctic tale of survival recounted in a slew of books, articles, museum exhibits and television specials, it's also the subject of a just-released IMAX® film, a new 90-minute documentary film, a four-part cable-TV miniseries, and an upcoming major motion picture. From trendy business principles to epic poems, Shackleton fever has suddenly hit the mainstream. For Zegrahm Expeditions, saga of Shackleton's famed Antarctic expedition has always been a hot ticket item. The Seattle-based company has been operating voyages to South Georgia Island and Antarctica for more than ten years and is widely known as the most experienced Antarctic operator in the business. In November 2001, Zegrahm will again offer its passengers a chance to visit the land of Shackleton on its Antarctica, South Georgia and Falklands expedition, a 20-day voyage featuring icebergs, albatross, penguins and plenty of polar history. Aboard the M/S Explorer, a vessel known for its high ice rating, passengers will depart from the Falklands, bound for South Georgia, an island inextricably linked to the Shackleton saga. The ship will spend three days exploring its penguin rookeries, nesting albatross, fur seals colonies, and historical points of interest such as Grytviken, from where the explorer's ship, the Endurance, sailed before becoming trapped in pack ice and crushed. Nearly two years later, Shackleton returned to South Georgia in order to mount a rescue of his stranded men. Years later, he was buried in the small cemetery at Grytviken. Departing South Georgia, the Explorer will wend its way south towards the Antarctic Peninsula, where the ship will spend five days. This early austral summer visit will find penguins at their most raucous, according to world-renowned ornithologist Peter Harrison, a leader on this voyage. "Unquestionably, this is the loudest, the funniest, and the most animated time to visit Antarctica," said Harrison. "Newly arrived birds will be squabbling over nests and mates with the passion of debating politicians. Every time we land, it will be like arriving in the midst of a heated family argument." From the comical antics of chinstrap and Adelie penguins to spectacular tabular icebergs to breaching humpback whales, passengers aboard the Explorer can expect a number of unforgettable moments. Antarctica's Lemaire Channel offers spectacular scenery as the ship sails a narrow channel between jutting mountain peaks. King George Island promises first of the season visits to scientific research stations. At Deception Island, passengers may even partake in a once-in-a-lifetime Antarctic swim inside the warm thermal waters of a collapsed volcano. Departing the peninsula, the Explorer will sail for tiny Elephant Island, where in 1916, Shackleton and his 27 men landed after the loss of their ship forced them to brave the polar seas in their three lifeboats. Shackleton and a crew of five then sailed from Elephant Island to South Georgia, the lion's share of the party remaining behind to await eventual rescue. Huddled beneath their upturned boats, the men managed to survive 136 days on a small sliver of rocky beach. A small memorial on the island commemorates the miraculous feat. Immediately following this trip, Zegrahm will begin its 20-day Circumnavigation of South Georgia expedition aboard the Explorer. Wildlife and a vast array of Shackleton historical points highlight the itinerary. The saga of Shackleton and the Endurance is a tale for the ages. According to George Butler, director of both the IMAX film and the new documentary, of which Zegrahm Expeditions is associate producer, "It's one of the greatest stories in history." Antarctica, South Georgia, and the Falklands-At-A-Glance
Note to editors: Artwork available upon request. |
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