In an exciting blend of adventure and history, the reality series Shipwreck Hunters Australia follows a team of deep-sea divers as they explore the depths of the ocean in search of undiscovered shipwrecks. Led by intrepid shipwreck hunter and underwater photographer Ryan Chatfield, the show highlights the mysteries lying beneath the waves off the coast of Western Australia. The second series features the team’s quest to locate two previously uncharted vessels: the SS Rodondo and the Langston.
Uncovering Maritime Secrets
The SS Rodondo, a 73-metre steamship that sank after hitting the Pollock Reef in October 1894, is one of the focal points of the series. Chatfield, who has spent years diving into the ocean’s depths, describes the experience as transformative. “Everything’s so busy and noisy in our life now,” he explains. “When you do go under the surface, all of that goes away.”
Joining Chatfield is fellow diver and cinematographer Andre Rerekura, who shares a similar passion for the underwater world. “Underwater’s the go,” Rerekura asserts, emphasizing the unique peace that comes with exploring marine environments. Together, they are on a mission to document the rich history of shipwrecks while preserving their integrity as habitats for marine life.
Documenting History Responsibly
The series is produced by Brendan Hutchens, known for his previous documentaries that focus on nature and human interaction with the environment. In Shipwreck Hunters Australia, the team emphasizes capturing the stories behind the wrecks without disturbing the sites. “The thing we love doing is filming and capturing the shipwrecks, telling the story of the wreck and its history,” Rerekura states. This approach allows them to showcase the wildlife that has made these underwater relics their home.
As the team dives deeper into the ocean, they encounter challenges that test their skills and resolve. When they discover the Langston, a 56-metre Norwegian barque that sank after hitting the Naturaliste Reef in 1902, Rerekura describes the experience as daunting yet exhilarating. “That was a pretty hefty dive for me,” he recalls, noting the pressure of both the ocean depth and the responsibility of capturing footage of the wreck.
Chatfield elaborates on the significance of these explorations, stating, “The ship has two lives. There’s above the surface, doing what it was built to do, and then, when it hits the sea floor, it takes on a whole new life.” The team believes that the real treasure lies in the high-quality footage and stories they can share with the world rather than in recovering physical artifacts.
As their adventures unfold, the divers face the vastness of the ocean, a space where they could easily miss a shipwreck by mere meters. “They say Western Australia has got 1,500 to 1,600 shipwrecks along the coast, with only a third of them being discovered,” Chatfield notes. Rerekura adds, “Finding them is like finding the eye of a needle in a field of haystacks.” This relentless pursuit of discovery fuels their passion and commitment to the project.
Interactions with marine wildlife, including sharks and manta rays, add another layer of excitement to their dives. Chatfield describes these encounters as privileges, emphasizing the connection they feel with the creatures of the deep. “To be able to swim around healthy coral and see the underwater marine ecosystem thriving is a privilege as well,” he says. This sentiment reflects the show’s underlying message of conservation and respect for marine environments.
As the series gains traction, Chatfield and Rerekura report receiving numerous tips and leads from viewers around the world. “We get a lot of leads from people, saying things like, ‘Oh, my uncle was here,’” Chatfield shares. These connections often lead to new discoveries and enrich the narrative of the series. Rerekura highlights the collaborative spirit of their work, stating, “We’ve got archaeologists, researchers, marine biologists. It’s not just us. We’re all a team.”
Shipwreck Hunters Australia is now streaming on Disney+, offering viewers a chance to join the divers on their quest to uncover Australia’s maritime history. The show not only entertains but also educates audiences about the importance of preserving our oceanic heritage.
