How does one become a deep-sea shipwreck hunter? For David Mearns, author, marine scientist and five-time Guinness World Record awardee — including the record for deepest shipwreck ever found — his journey to the depths was a natural, if unanticipated, progression guided by a relentless fascination with the ocean. Having started out as a marine scientist, his career highlights include, as of June 2024, the discovery of 26 major shipwrecks — with the most recent being Quest, Ernest Shackleton’s last ship, discovered in partnership with the Society. Other notable finds include HMS Hood, Lucona, a cargo ship that played a role in a European murder trial, and Esmeralda, the oldest colonial shipwreck ever found.

On Nov. 6, Mearns was recognized with two Royal Canadian Geographical Society honours: the Capt. Joseph-Elzéar Bernier Medal, named for a great Arctic navigator of the early 20th century, and the Quest Medal, a special medal struck to honour the participants in and supporters of the 2024 Shackleton Quest Expedition. Here, he discusses his unusual career path, his favourite part of wreck hunting, and becoming an Honorary Fellow at sea. 

On discovering marine science

My introduction to marine science happened very early in my life, as a teenager. I always liked to fish, I always liked the sea, and, when I was around 15 years old, I started investigating what careers would allow me to do work involving the ocean. I found a careers book that had a page on marine science and that was basically it — I had started my life in marine biology. And then, when I went to graduate school, I made another transition into marine geology, and that’s what led me into my current career.

On finding shipwrecks

A few years into working [at underwater remotely operated vehicle specialist Eastport International], we got a major contract to locate and investigate a shipwreck in very deep water. That wreck was at the centre of a murder trial taking place in Vienna, where the person who chartered the vessel blew it up to collect the insurance and killed half the crew — six people. We went to find the shipwreck in the Indian Ocean, and it was successful. The guy was convicted and sentenced to life in prison. And it sent my company and me on a pathway to specializing in finding deep-water shipwrecks.

On answering old questions

Of course, there’s the feeling of excitement when you find any shipwreck. And I’ve been fortunate to have been involved with a number of high-profile shipwreck discoveries. But now what I really look forward to are ones that affect a lot of people — that could be finding a Second World War ship that had a lot of casualties and helping people find where their loved ones lie. Answering questions that help a lot of people is something I’ve been able to experience a number of times.

On the importance of Quest

It’s the ship that Shackleton died on. The opportunity to find Quest allows us to reveal a real human aspect of Shackleton and also of his men. That kind of courage and lifelong commitment to something is worth retelling. That’s why I think Quest completes the circle of his life: it allows us to tell that final chapter.

On becoming a Fellow

I was made an Honorary Fellow onboard [LeeWay Odyssey]. The moment John Geiger came into the galley and said “we would like you to be an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society” was certainly a highlight of the expedition. It’s quite a rare thing, being bestowed with that honour in the field. It’s a highlight of my career.