As an example of sheer resilience, the achievement of Sir Ernest Shackleton in the rescue of his men from Elephant Island is one of the greatest stories. Stranded when their ship Endurance was caught in ice, their only hope of survival was for Shackleton and five others to take the ship’s lifeboat on the 800-mile journey to South Georgia through massive seas and wind that froze salt spray to the deck and rigging. The 17-day voyage was followed by a climb over the mountains of South Georgia. Shackleton died 100 years ago, and the wreck of the Endurance was found earlier this year. Polar historian Dr Maria Pia Casarini tells the remarkable story. (Painting by courtesy of the artist, Paola Folicaldi Suh)