The underwater world is filled with mysteries, and the new series Shipwreck Hunters Australia takes viewers on an exhilarating journey to uncover these secrets. Led by intrepid shipwreck hunter Ryan Chatfield and underwater cinematographer Andre Rerekura, the team explores the depths of the ocean to find and document forgotten shipwrecks along the coast of Western Australia.
Chatfield, who prefers the serene environment beneath the waves to the hustle and bustle of life on land, expresses his passion for ocean exploration. “Everything’s so busy and noisy in our life now. When you do go under the surface, all of that goes away,” he explains. His enthusiasm is echoed by Rerekura, who describes the underwater realm as “another world” filled with “silence and peace.”
The six-part series, directed by Brendan Hutchens, focuses on the search for two previously undiscovered shipwrecks: the SS Rodondo and the Langston. The SS Rodondo, a 73-metre steamship, sank in October 1894 after hitting the remote Pollock Reef. The Langston, a 56-metre Norwegian barque, met its demise in 1902 after colliding with the Naturaliste Reef near Bunbury.
During their dives, Rerekura faced the immense challenge of filming the Langston, where he felt the pressure both from the ocean’s depths and the responsibility of capturing footage of the wreck. “That was a pretty hefty dive for me,” he recalls, adding that the experience was both exhilarating and daunting. “I get down there and it’s the first time I’ve probably ever been on the sea floor, and I’m like, ‘Oh, wow, I’m on the verge of feeling a bit panicky here.’”
The narrative of each shipwreck serves as a poignant reminder of the lives affected by maritime disasters. The show emphasizes the importance of leaving ship relics undisturbed, allowing them to act as memorials to those who perished at sea. “We love capturing the shipwrecks, telling the story of the wreck and its history, and showing the beautiful wildlife that now calls it home,” Rerekura states.
Chatfield adds, “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 focuses on preserving the history of these wrecks rather than recovering physical treasures. They aim to share high-quality footage and photographs with audiences, highlighting the significance of these underwater sites.
Finding shipwrecks is no small feat. Western Australia is home to approximately 1,500 to 1,600 recorded shipwrecks, with only a third having been discovered. “Finding them is like finding the eye of a needle in a field of haystacks,” Chatfield explains, underscoring the vastness of the ocean. Rerekura emphasizes the persistence required to locate these wrecks, stating, “You can miss a shipwreck by 100 metres. You could have just finished your search line here and it could just be there.”
The thrill of discovery is palpable when the team finally spots a shipwreck. The excitement builds as they sift through sonar footage, hoping to unveil a hidden hull. The joy of finding a wreck is shared with the entire crew, who spend long days searching the ocean floor.
Encounters with marine life add to the adventure. The team experiences thrilling moments with creatures such as sharks and manta rays, which often approach the divers without fear. “When we get to interact with sharks… that’s a privilege,” Chatfield remarks, highlighting the unique connection they share with the ocean’s inhabitants.
Audience engagement has also been a surprising aspect of the series. Chatfield mentions that viewers frequently reach out, sharing stories and tips related to shipwrecks. “We get a lot of leads from people, saying things like, ‘Oh, my uncle was here,’” he shares. Rerekura notes that these connections are invaluable, as they can lead to new discoveries.
As Shipwreck Hunters Australia continues to captivate audiences, it invites viewers to appreciate the hidden histories beneath the waves. The series is currently available for streaming on Disney+, providing an opportunity for fans to join the journey of exploration and discovery.
