David Attenborough’s Harrowing Near-Drowning Experience While Scuba Diving in the 1950s: A Conversation with Prince William

In a recent chat with Prince William, Sir David Attenborough shared a gripping story about a close call he had while testing a scuba helmet during his 1957 dive on the Great Barrier Reef. At 99 years old, Attenborough reflected on the experience with a mix of humor and nostalgia as he donned an antique helmet designed by Jacques-Yves Cousteau.

“It’s a bit odd to think back on,” he said, recalling the moment he first felt water creeping into the helmet. “When the water reached my chin, I thought, ‘This can’t be right.’ By the time it was at my nose, I was certain something was wrong.” Helpless and unable to shout for help, he managed to get the helmet off just in time. A director who doubted the equipment’s safety tried it and quickly surfaced, confirming Attenborough’s fears.

This anecdote surfaced as they discussed Attenborough’s latest documentary, Ocean, which highlights the shocking decline in marine life. It’s set to launch globally on June 8, World Ocean’s Day. Attenborough emphasized that back when he first dove, little was known about ocean ecosystems. He described the experience as a “sensory overload,” but sadly, the same spots now show the devastating impacts of climate change. Recent studies indicate that coral reefs are experiencing severe bleaching due to rising ocean temperatures and pollution.

“People often don’t see the issues,” Attenborough noted. “What we’ve done to the deep ocean is appalling.” He hopes this documentary will raise awareness and spur action before it’s too late. He explained that, unlike issues on land, people often overlook the ocean’s plight.

Prince William echoed the need for optimism about restoring the ocean. He suggested that today’s youth have a unique opportunity to explore and gather data that could change the narrative. “The next 50 years could be groundbreaking,” he said.

Attenborough agreed, urging viewers to be inspired to protect our oceans. The conversation reflects a broader societal shift towards recognizing the importance of marine conservation. As public awareness grows, we may yet see a wave of change in how we treat our planet’s oceans.

For a deeper dive into the subject, check out this review of Ocean here.

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