A Brush with Danger in the Depths of the Ocean

In a gripping revelation, Sir David Attenborough candidly shared that he nearly drowned while testing a scuba-diving helmet during a famed 1957 dive on the Great Barrier Reef. This dramatic incident unfolded during a fascinating conversation with Prince William, focusing on Attenborough's latest documentary, "Ocean."

A Moment of Nostalgia and Laughter

The 99-year-old broadcasting legend recounted this alarming experience while playfully trying on an original Jacques-Yves Cousteau open-circuit scuba helmet. "It’s certainly a strange thing to do," he remarked, eliciting laughter from Prince William, who humorously warned, "Don’t do that, David. You won’t get it off." Attenborough managed to escape the helmet, recalling how water unexpectedly surged around him during his first dive. As panic set in, he vividly described his terror, thinking, 'This can’t be right,' as the water rose dangerously close to his nose.

A Fatal Flaw and a Lesson Learned

Attenborough recounted that despite his urgent pleas, the equipment operator dismissed the helmet's faults. He recalled, "So he put it on and I’m happy to say he went under the water and came up even quicker than I did!" This alarming incident underscored the risks faced by pioneering explorers in the field.

A Call for Ocean Conservation

His new documentary, premiering on World Ocean’s Day, tackles the dire state of our oceans amid rising environmental threats. Attenborough lamented the drastic changes since his first dive, where thriving coral reefs have now been replaced by vast, bleached wastelands. "The awful thing is that it’s hidden from you and from me and most people," he stated, emphasizing the shocking damage inflicted upon the ocean's depths.

Inspiration for Future Generations

Both men recognized the urgency of raising awareness about ocean conservation. Attenborough expressed his hope that "Ocean" would spark a movement for change, inspiring the next generation to take action. "We have the entrée to people’s front rooms," he said, highlighting the documentary’s potential to create an impact on family viewers worldwide.

Optimism for Tomorrow's Explorers

The prince echoed the sentiment of optimism, suggesting this moment could ignite passionate curiosity among younger explorers. Attenborough agreed wholeheartedly, affirming, "Yes. Very much so." Together, they envisioned a future where our oceans not only survive but thrive, emphasizing the critical need for recovery and protection.