1 00:00:01,635 --> 00:00:04,269 Wade: Has a creature surfacing in arctic waters 2 00:00:04,372 --> 00:00:08,107 Been primed for a sinister purpose? 3 00:00:08,209 --> 00:00:09,842 Cartlidge: You can train them. 4 00:00:09,944 --> 00:00:12,644 But you can't totally control them. 5 00:00:12,747 --> 00:00:16,749 Wade: Is there a legendary monster lurking off america's coastline 6 00:00:16,851 --> 00:00:19,184 Capable of taking down a ship? 7 00:00:19,286 --> 00:00:21,987 This must have been an incredibly strong creature. 8 00:00:22,089 --> 00:00:26,325 Wade: And how did a man survive for 438 days 9 00:00:26,427 --> 00:00:28,761 Adrift on the pacific ocean? 10 00:00:28,863 --> 00:00:30,662 You are not only at the mercy of the sea. 11 00:00:30,765 --> 00:00:34,733 You are at the mercy of the gods. 12 00:00:34,835 --> 00:00:39,571 Wade: The underwater realm is another dimension. 13 00:00:39,673 --> 00:00:42,374 It's a physically hostile place, 14 00:00:42,476 --> 00:00:48,947 Where dreams of promise can sink into darkness. 15 00:00:49,050 --> 00:00:50,682 I'm jeremy wade. 16 00:00:50,785 --> 00:00:53,719 I'm searching the world to bring you the most iconic 17 00:00:53,821 --> 00:00:57,623 And baffling underwater mysteries known to science. 18 00:00:57,725 --> 00:00:59,425 Shipwrecks can't just disappear. 19 00:00:59,527 --> 00:01:00,626 Or can they? 20 00:01:00,728 --> 00:01:03,062 Wade: It's a dangerous, unexplored frontier 21 00:01:03,164 --> 00:01:05,030 That swallows evidence... 22 00:01:05,132 --> 00:01:07,066 We know more about the face of mars 23 00:01:07,168 --> 00:01:08,667 Than we do our deepest oceans. 24 00:01:08,769 --> 00:01:13,839 Wade: ...Where unknown is normal, and understanding is rare. 25 00:01:13,941 --> 00:01:16,842 -- Captions by vitac -- www.Vitac.Com 26 00:01:16,944 --> 00:01:19,978 Captions paid for by discovery communications 27 00:01:26,387 --> 00:01:29,621 I've spent decades tracking down underwater creatures 28 00:01:29,723 --> 00:01:31,023 All over the world, 29 00:01:31,125 --> 00:01:36,395 And as a general rule, they don't want to be found. 30 00:01:36,497 --> 00:01:39,998 Animals in the wild keep their distance. 31 00:01:40,101 --> 00:01:44,136 So when reports surface from the arctic waters of norway 32 00:01:44,238 --> 00:01:48,407 Of a large marine mammal mysteriously investigating 33 00:01:48,509 --> 00:01:52,077 Boats, alarm bells start ringing. 34 00:01:57,351 --> 00:02:02,554 April 26, 2019 -- hammerfest, norway. 35 00:02:04,692 --> 00:02:07,893 Researchers conducting a government fishing survey 36 00:02:07,995 --> 00:02:10,362 Are surprised by the mysterious appearance 37 00:02:10,464 --> 00:02:13,465 Of a large marine mammal near their boat. 38 00:02:17,505 --> 00:02:19,471 As the white animal approaches, 39 00:02:19,573 --> 00:02:21,840 They realize it's a beluga whale -- 40 00:02:21,942 --> 00:02:27,179 Something rarely seen in spring norwegian waters. 41 00:02:27,281 --> 00:02:28,780 To make things even more unusual, 42 00:02:28,883 --> 00:02:32,718 This beluga whale seems to be friendly. 43 00:02:32,820 --> 00:02:34,653 Naturally free beluga, 44 00:02:34,755 --> 00:02:39,725 Or any citation, don't come to humans. 45 00:02:41,729 --> 00:02:45,497 They're inquisitive, but they'll always keep distance. 46 00:02:45,599 --> 00:02:49,868 It'll never be right up to the side of the boat. 47 00:02:49,970 --> 00:02:53,305 Wade: Stranger still is the fact that this beluga 48 00:02:53,407 --> 00:02:56,308 Has something attached to its body. 49 00:02:56,410 --> 00:02:58,744 Not only was this an unusual whale in that 50 00:02:58,846 --> 00:03:03,682 It was interested in them, but it also had a harness on. 51 00:03:03,784 --> 00:03:06,018 To add to the mystery of this beluga whale, 52 00:03:06,120 --> 00:03:08,053 Where did it come from? 53 00:03:08,155 --> 00:03:09,054 Did it escape? 54 00:03:09,156 --> 00:03:13,125 Did it just say, "I want to be free"? 55 00:03:13,227 --> 00:03:17,763 Wade: Marine mammals have been known to escape from captivity, 56 00:03:17,865 --> 00:03:21,099 And this beluga's ease around the researchers 57 00:03:21,202 --> 00:03:25,871 Could be a sign that it's been raised by people. 58 00:03:25,973 --> 00:03:30,375 It meets humans again, and it's something it's conditioned. 59 00:03:30,477 --> 00:03:33,946 "that's where the food comes from. I'm safe with them." 60 00:03:34,048 --> 00:03:37,282 Animals go for the easiest source of food. 61 00:03:37,384 --> 00:03:40,352 Wade: Beluga whales are kept in captivity in aquaria 62 00:03:40,454 --> 00:03:45,324 And marine parks worldwide, but not in norway 63 00:03:45,426 --> 00:03:48,627 Or anywhere else in scandinavia. 64 00:03:48,729 --> 00:03:50,729 Rondeau: I think the evidence is pretty clear 65 00:03:50,831 --> 00:03:54,299 That it's been raised by humans. 66 00:03:54,401 --> 00:03:58,136 So, the question, then, is, which humans? 67 00:03:58,239 --> 00:04:01,573 Wade: The norwegians decide to investigate further. 68 00:04:01,675 --> 00:04:03,909 And when they study the beluga's harness, 69 00:04:04,011 --> 00:04:07,112 They discover two camera mounts. 70 00:04:07,214 --> 00:04:10,015 Could these have been fitted by wildlife researchers? 71 00:04:12,853 --> 00:04:16,088 Wade: Keen to work out where the beluga has come from, 72 00:04:16,223 --> 00:04:19,057 Local experts come up with an idea. 73 00:04:19,159 --> 00:04:23,528 The only way we're gonna find out who is behind this 74 00:04:23,631 --> 00:04:25,564 Is to track this whale. 75 00:04:28,469 --> 00:04:31,536 Wade: The beluga is fitted with a satellite tracker 76 00:04:31,639 --> 00:04:34,039 In the hope that it will head back home. 77 00:04:37,511 --> 00:04:39,711 But after several weeks of monitoring, 78 00:04:39,813 --> 00:04:43,382 The data shows no significant movement. 79 00:04:43,484 --> 00:04:46,518 The whale is staying put. 80 00:04:46,620 --> 00:04:50,689 The tracker does, however, reveal some new information. 81 00:04:50,824 --> 00:04:53,058 The tracking of the whale has shown two things. 82 00:04:53,160 --> 00:04:54,893 One -- it doesn't seem to have the ability 83 00:04:54,962 --> 00:04:57,562 To hunt and feed on its own. 84 00:04:57,665 --> 00:04:59,531 And two -- it doesn't communicate 85 00:04:59,633 --> 00:05:01,066 With other belugas, 86 00:05:01,168 --> 00:05:03,769 Suggesting it doesn't have those social aspects 87 00:05:03,871 --> 00:05:07,172 That it would've learned if it had been raised in the wild. 88 00:05:07,241 --> 00:05:11,209 Wade: The animal's inability to feed itself and lack of social skills 89 00:05:11,312 --> 00:05:14,813 Further points to a life spent in captivity. 90 00:05:14,915 --> 00:05:18,317 It could be it's the first time it's been allowed out. 91 00:05:18,419 --> 00:05:19,918 Wade: Researchers turn their attention 92 00:05:20,020 --> 00:05:23,021 Back to the only piece of hard evidence they have -- 93 00:05:23,123 --> 00:05:25,223 The harness. 94 00:05:25,326 --> 00:05:29,761 Examining the straps, they discover a decisive clue. 95 00:05:29,863 --> 00:05:33,131 Campbell: The fact that the harness says "st. Petersburg," 96 00:05:33,233 --> 00:05:38,904 Suggests that it is a beluga trained in russia. 97 00:05:39,006 --> 00:05:42,708 Why would the russians be putting a harness on a beluga? 98 00:05:42,810 --> 00:05:46,311 Wade: The russian border is less than 200 miles away, 99 00:05:46,413 --> 00:05:48,080 And the russians have a track record 100 00:05:48,182 --> 00:05:50,916 In training marine mammals. 101 00:05:51,018 --> 00:05:57,689 They have guard animals that guard an area in floating pens. 102 00:05:57,791 --> 00:06:01,226 They have search-and-recovery animals. 103 00:06:01,328 --> 00:06:05,831 Wade: Seals have been trained to locate mines and lost ordnance, 104 00:06:05,933 --> 00:06:10,535 And dolphins have been tasked with taking out enemy targets. 105 00:06:10,637 --> 00:06:12,537 Cartlidge: They parachute them down. 106 00:06:12,639 --> 00:06:16,141 The harnesses, as they hit the water, release. 107 00:06:16,243 --> 00:06:17,943 What would happen is that they would have 108 00:06:18,045 --> 00:06:20,545 A trigger on the beak, 109 00:06:20,647 --> 00:06:24,049 And an explosive pack on the dorsal fin. 110 00:06:24,151 --> 00:06:26,151 So, then, they would swim up to the boat. 111 00:06:26,253 --> 00:06:31,056 And five of these animals touching the boat... 112 00:06:31,158 --> 00:06:33,792 Up it goes in flames. 113 00:06:33,894 --> 00:06:36,728 Wade: Such methods were developed during the cold war, 114 00:06:36,830 --> 00:06:39,831 And, many thought, ended with it. 115 00:06:39,933 --> 00:06:41,900 But recent u.S. Navy spending 116 00:06:42,002 --> 00:06:45,303 Suggests that they continue to this day. 117 00:06:45,406 --> 00:06:48,940 The military have always been interested in the potential 118 00:06:49,042 --> 00:06:53,612 For marine mammals to assist them in various ways. 119 00:06:53,714 --> 00:06:55,947 And in fact, the military still fund 120 00:06:56,049 --> 00:06:59,818 A huge amount of research on marine mammals to this day. 121 00:06:59,920 --> 00:07:03,488 If the americans are doing it, then, surely, the russians 122 00:07:03,590 --> 00:07:05,557 Are gonna still be doing it, as well. 123 00:07:05,659 --> 00:07:08,493 Wade: So, is the beluga whale found in norway 124 00:07:08,595 --> 00:07:11,797 A specialist russian underwater operative? 125 00:07:11,899 --> 00:07:14,132 You can train them. 126 00:07:14,234 --> 00:07:15,700 You can tame them. 127 00:07:15,803 --> 00:07:19,938 But you can't totally control them. 128 00:07:20,040 --> 00:07:22,941 Wade: 200 miles east of where the beluga was found 129 00:07:23,043 --> 00:07:26,378 Is the russian military base of murmansk. 130 00:07:26,480 --> 00:07:30,549 And recent satellite images reveal something shocking 131 00:07:30,651 --> 00:07:34,953 Hidden among the russian ships. 132 00:07:35,055 --> 00:07:38,957 Analysts believe that these large octagonal shapes 133 00:07:39,059 --> 00:07:41,993 Are floating animal pens. 134 00:07:42,095 --> 00:07:44,463 Could the beluga whale have escaped 135 00:07:44,565 --> 00:07:47,766 From this top-secret military facility? 136 00:07:56,410 --> 00:08:00,812 When a mystery beluga whale is found in norwegian waters 137 00:08:00,914 --> 00:08:03,949 Wearing a harness with camera mounts, 138 00:08:04,084 --> 00:08:06,318 There are suspicions that the animal could be 139 00:08:06,420 --> 00:08:10,055 A trained russian underwater operative. 140 00:08:10,157 --> 00:08:11,756 But could this single animal 141 00:08:11,859 --> 00:08:17,562 Be evidence of a larger military force? 142 00:08:17,664 --> 00:08:19,698 The whale seems to have been on some kind of 143 00:08:19,800 --> 00:08:21,500 Surveillance mission. 144 00:08:21,602 --> 00:08:24,236 Norway is basically on the forefront of nato, 145 00:08:24,338 --> 00:08:26,271 Front lines with russia. 146 00:08:28,609 --> 00:08:31,309 Wade: The arctic is opening up. 147 00:08:31,411 --> 00:08:34,746 Higgs: As sea ice melts, the arctic is becoming more accessible, 148 00:08:34,848 --> 00:08:39,017 And its resources are becoming more and more sought after. 149 00:08:39,119 --> 00:08:44,122 Wade: Every year, as the ice recedes, military forces are moving in, 150 00:08:44,224 --> 00:08:46,591 And the russians are at the forefront. 151 00:08:48,962 --> 00:08:55,333 Some fear that belugas may be a new part of the russian arsenal. 152 00:08:55,435 --> 00:08:59,104 There's nothing that a beluga can do that a dolphin can't do. 153 00:08:59,206 --> 00:09:03,041 But a beluga can live in arctic waters. 154 00:09:06,113 --> 00:09:09,347 The beluga's echolocation can actually penetrate 155 00:09:09,449 --> 00:09:13,451 Up to a meter through sand and mud. 156 00:09:13,554 --> 00:09:18,623 They can go places, and not be noticed, unlike rovs or aovs. 157 00:09:18,725 --> 00:09:20,225 They can travel long distances 158 00:09:20,327 --> 00:09:24,129 Without having to take breaks, or to be recharged. 159 00:09:24,231 --> 00:09:28,567 Could that beluga whale be agent double-0 blubber? 160 00:09:28,669 --> 00:09:32,304 Wade: One critical factor suggests not. 161 00:09:32,406 --> 00:09:35,340 Training secret agents, human or animal, 162 00:09:35,442 --> 00:09:40,111 Requires a major investment of time and money. 163 00:09:40,213 --> 00:09:43,148 If it was military, the russians would've been there, 164 00:09:43,250 --> 00:09:46,217 And they would've taken it back. 165 00:09:46,320 --> 00:09:50,589 Wade: So, the whale's origin and purpose remain a mystery. 166 00:09:50,691 --> 00:09:52,524 But one thing is for sure -- 167 00:09:52,626 --> 00:09:57,295 This suspected spy has been brought in from the cold. 168 00:09:57,397 --> 00:09:58,997 It's been adopted by locals, 169 00:09:59,099 --> 00:10:01,533 Who have named the beluga "hvaldimir," 170 00:10:01,635 --> 00:10:03,802 A pun on the norwegian for "whale" 171 00:10:03,904 --> 00:10:07,205 And the name of russia's president, vladimir putin -- 172 00:10:07,307 --> 00:10:11,576 Himself once an undercover soviet agent. 173 00:10:19,119 --> 00:10:21,119 Most searches for lost mariners 174 00:10:21,221 --> 00:10:24,155 Continue for a matter of days or weeks. 175 00:10:24,257 --> 00:10:27,959 After that, the missing are presumed dead. 176 00:10:28,061 --> 00:10:32,297 But how long can you survive alone at sea? 177 00:10:32,399 --> 00:10:36,134 The seemingly miraculous 14-month survival 178 00:10:36,236 --> 00:10:38,236 Of a central american fisherman 179 00:10:38,338 --> 00:10:42,440 Calls into question everything we thought we knew. 180 00:10:49,483 --> 00:10:53,752 January 30th, 2014. 181 00:10:53,854 --> 00:10:56,454 Reports emerge from a tiny stretch of islands 182 00:10:56,556 --> 00:10:58,289 In the central pacific 183 00:10:58,392 --> 00:11:02,594 Of a mysterious foreigner coming ashore with a small boat. 184 00:11:06,133 --> 00:11:10,535 The marshall islands are a remote cluster of islands 185 00:11:10,637 --> 00:11:11,936 In the pacific. 186 00:11:12,039 --> 00:11:15,707 The fact that there would be an individual on the beach, 187 00:11:15,809 --> 00:11:20,545 In a really bad way, is really remarkable. 188 00:11:20,680 --> 00:11:23,415 Wade: The man's name is jose alvarenga, 189 00:11:23,517 --> 00:11:25,517 And the story he tells his rescuers 190 00:11:25,619 --> 00:11:28,620 Is relayed around the world. 191 00:11:28,722 --> 00:11:31,790 He came off the coast of mexico, 192 00:11:31,892 --> 00:11:37,295 A very small 24-foot fiberglass vessel, 193 00:11:37,397 --> 00:11:40,231 And that was almost a year and a half ago. 194 00:11:41,168 --> 00:11:44,602 [ speaking spanish ] 195 00:11:51,044 --> 00:11:54,045 A fishing trip that was meant to last just a few days 196 00:11:54,147 --> 00:11:58,683 Ended up lasting 438. 197 00:11:58,785 --> 00:12:02,454 How is it that he survived that long? 198 00:12:02,556 --> 00:12:05,256 Wade: Surviving the pacific adrift in a small boat 199 00:12:05,358 --> 00:12:08,393 For this length of time would be a first. 200 00:12:08,495 --> 00:12:13,698 It's inconceivable that a human being would be able to do that. 201 00:12:13,800 --> 00:12:16,735 Wade: Alvarenga describes an incredible journey 202 00:12:16,837 --> 00:12:19,270 From mexico to the marshall islands, 203 00:12:19,372 --> 00:12:23,174 Across half the width of the pacific. 204 00:12:23,276 --> 00:12:26,444 But could a man survive for 14 months 205 00:12:26,546 --> 00:12:30,815 Alone in the largest ocean on the planet? 206 00:12:30,917 --> 00:12:32,851 Campbell: It's crazy to survive that long at sea, 207 00:12:32,953 --> 00:12:34,352 Because you have to imagine 208 00:12:34,454 --> 00:12:37,255 That the open ocean is a type of desert. 209 00:12:39,226 --> 00:12:41,726 The pacific ocean is massive. 210 00:12:41,828 --> 00:12:45,463 It's an unbelievably big space. 211 00:12:48,568 --> 00:12:51,870 Wade: According to alvarenga, when he sets out on his fishing trip, 212 00:12:51,972 --> 00:12:55,673 He has supplies for just a few days. 213 00:12:55,776 --> 00:12:57,942 It was supposed to be an overnight trip 214 00:12:58,044 --> 00:12:59,978 In a small, open boat. 215 00:13:00,080 --> 00:13:04,582 And then, he encountered bad weather, and a bad storm. 216 00:13:04,684 --> 00:13:07,519 Wade: The fisherman's boat is pulled out to sea, 217 00:13:07,621 --> 00:13:10,755 And most of his supplies are swept overboard. 218 00:13:10,857 --> 00:13:12,223 Before alvarenga gets out of range, 219 00:13:12,325 --> 00:13:16,961 He's able to radio his boss, to warn him of his predicament. 220 00:13:17,063 --> 00:13:19,764 He's out there with no engine, with no oars, 221 00:13:19,866 --> 00:13:21,533 No means of propulsion, 222 00:13:21,635 --> 00:13:24,769 And he's basically left to float. 223 00:13:24,871 --> 00:13:28,940 Being lost at sea is probably one of the most lonely things 224 00:13:29,042 --> 00:13:30,975 In the universe. 225 00:13:31,077 --> 00:13:32,844 You are not only at the mercy of the sea. 226 00:13:32,946 --> 00:13:36,281 You are at the mercy of the gods. 227 00:13:36,383 --> 00:13:39,217 His story is certainly mysterious, 228 00:13:39,319 --> 00:13:43,054 And many people don't believe it, 229 00:13:43,156 --> 00:13:46,691 Because it's almost unthinkable, what he's telling them. 230 00:13:46,793 --> 00:13:49,894 Wade: And when alvarenga's account is put under scrutiny, 231 00:13:49,996 --> 00:13:52,964 Shocking details start to emerge. 232 00:13:53,066 --> 00:13:55,700 He's out there on a boat with nothing. 233 00:13:55,802 --> 00:13:57,502 How do you survive that? 234 00:13:57,604 --> 00:13:59,504 It's literally phenomenal. 235 00:14:06,479 --> 00:14:09,247 In 2012, fisherman jose alvarenga 236 00:14:09,349 --> 00:14:11,182 Sets out on a small boat 237 00:14:11,284 --> 00:14:14,018 From the coast of southern mexico. 238 00:14:14,120 --> 00:14:15,987 14 months later, 239 00:14:16,089 --> 00:14:18,389 He turns up in the marshall islands, 240 00:14:18,491 --> 00:14:21,159 6,000 miles to the west. 241 00:14:21,261 --> 00:14:26,898 Can he really have survived the open ocean for so long? 242 00:14:27,000 --> 00:14:28,800 It's certainly theoretically possible, 243 00:14:28,902 --> 00:14:31,469 According to scientist models and current understanding, 244 00:14:31,571 --> 00:14:35,573 That he could've reached the marshalls. 245 00:14:35,675 --> 00:14:40,111 The pacific ocean, there's the north pacific gyre. 246 00:14:40,213 --> 00:14:42,747 If you left mexico, headed a little south, 247 00:14:42,849 --> 00:14:45,383 You catch the trade winds and the currents, 248 00:14:45,485 --> 00:14:47,552 And they will push you all the way over. 249 00:14:47,654 --> 00:14:48,686 Boom. 250 00:14:53,026 --> 00:14:55,226 Wade: But many people following the story 251 00:14:55,328 --> 00:14:58,463 Question the truth of alvarenga's account. 252 00:14:58,565 --> 00:15:04,369 After such an ordeal, how could the fisherman look so healthy? 253 00:15:04,471 --> 00:15:08,039 He looks a little, you know, plump around the face. 254 00:15:08,141 --> 00:15:10,909 Wade: But as some experts are keen to point out, 255 00:15:11,011 --> 00:15:15,647 Sometimes, looks can be deceiving. 256 00:15:15,749 --> 00:15:17,615 When you live through that type of famine, 257 00:15:17,717 --> 00:15:23,388 Your body kind of holds, or retains, liquids, or fluids, 258 00:15:23,523 --> 00:15:27,258 And it gives you a plump appearance 259 00:15:27,360 --> 00:15:30,595 Although you're literally starving. 260 00:15:30,697 --> 00:15:31,696 [ indistinct talking ] 261 00:15:31,798 --> 00:15:34,299 He's bloated because of his malnutrition. 262 00:15:34,401 --> 00:15:35,767 Actually, for many months, 263 00:15:35,869 --> 00:15:37,201 He would've probably looked emaciated, 264 00:15:37,304 --> 00:15:39,771 And even, possibly, skeletal. 265 00:15:39,873 --> 00:15:42,507 Wade: Doubts remain, however, about how alvarenga 266 00:15:42,609 --> 00:15:46,311 Could have found enough food and water to survive. 267 00:15:46,413 --> 00:15:49,380 In most cases, people adrift in the pacific 268 00:15:49,482 --> 00:15:51,849 Last only a matter of days. 269 00:15:53,853 --> 00:15:57,355 Filming off the northern coast of australia in 2015, 270 00:15:57,424 --> 00:15:58,690 I encountered a fisherman 271 00:15:58,792 --> 00:16:02,293 Who'd become stranded on a barren tropical island. 272 00:16:02,395 --> 00:16:04,128 This is an uninhabited island. 273 00:16:04,230 --> 00:16:08,333 And we, first of all, saw a cooler on the rocks. 274 00:16:08,435 --> 00:16:11,369 And then, one of us spotted, there's somebody there. 275 00:16:11,471 --> 00:16:12,537 There's somebody there. 276 00:16:12,639 --> 00:16:16,407 It was sheer luck that we came across him in time. 277 00:16:16,509 --> 00:16:18,676 The castaway had run out of water, 278 00:16:18,778 --> 00:16:21,779 And after 2 days marooned under the fierce sun, 279 00:16:21,881 --> 00:16:25,216 He was facing death from dehydration. 280 00:16:25,318 --> 00:16:31,589 So how did alvarenga find enough water to survive for 438 days? 281 00:16:31,691 --> 00:16:35,193 The general rule of thumb is that -- it's the 3-day rule. 282 00:16:35,295 --> 00:16:39,797 You know, without water, after 3 days, you know, you'll die. 283 00:16:39,899 --> 00:16:41,866 So, how did he manage? 284 00:16:41,968 --> 00:16:44,702 Wade: Drinking seawater can be deadly to humans 285 00:16:44,804 --> 00:16:49,774 Because our humans can't process the amount of salt it contains. 286 00:16:49,876 --> 00:16:54,045 Alvarenga needed fresh water to stave off dehydration, 287 00:16:54,147 --> 00:16:57,181 So he claims he fished dozens of plastic bottles 288 00:16:57,283 --> 00:16:58,216 Out of the ocean, 289 00:16:58,318 --> 00:17:00,685 And used them to catch rainwater. 290 00:17:00,787 --> 00:17:02,754 But when his supplies ran out, 291 00:17:02,856 --> 00:17:06,057 He was forced to resort to desperate measures. 292 00:17:09,162 --> 00:17:13,631 As well as water, alvarenga would've needed regular food. 293 00:17:13,733 --> 00:17:16,167 The boat would've become its own microcosm 294 00:17:16,269 --> 00:17:19,370 That there would have been algae, and plankton, 295 00:17:19,472 --> 00:17:21,139 And barnacles building up on the bottom, 296 00:17:21,241 --> 00:17:24,776 And that in itself would've attracted his food. 297 00:17:24,878 --> 00:17:28,546 If he's leaving off of the entire fish, 298 00:17:28,648 --> 00:17:29,914 Not only consuming the flesh, 299 00:17:30,016 --> 00:17:32,517 But consuming all of the internal organs, 300 00:17:32,619 --> 00:17:36,287 He's getting that nutrients, and he's getting that fluid, 301 00:17:36,389 --> 00:17:40,491 And that it would be enough to sustain him. 302 00:17:40,593 --> 00:17:43,294 But one detail of his epic ordeal 303 00:17:43,396 --> 00:17:45,930 Is perhaps the toughest to swallow. 304 00:17:46,032 --> 00:17:48,766 When he started out on his 2-day fishing trip, 305 00:17:48,868 --> 00:17:51,903 Jose alvarenga was not alone. 306 00:18:02,615 --> 00:18:07,752 Wade: Castaway jose alvarenga claims to have spent 14 months 307 00:18:07,854 --> 00:18:10,321 Adrift in the pacific ocean. 308 00:18:10,423 --> 00:18:12,590 When he was found, he was alone, 309 00:18:12,692 --> 00:18:16,961 But it turns out that, when he set sail, he had a companion. 310 00:18:19,532 --> 00:18:22,366 He actually had a fishing partner. 311 00:18:22,469 --> 00:18:26,671 But unfortunately, the fishing partner didn't survive. 312 00:18:26,773 --> 00:18:31,709 He claims that his partner couldn't deal with the stress, 313 00:18:31,811 --> 00:18:33,911 And had basically stopped eating, 314 00:18:34,013 --> 00:18:39,083 And therefore, shut down, and died. 315 00:18:39,185 --> 00:18:44,755 Wade: Alvarenga says he kept speaking to his deceased friend for days, 316 00:18:44,858 --> 00:18:50,094 Until he realized he must let him go, and buried him at sea. 317 00:18:50,196 --> 00:18:53,364 But the dead man's family claim otherwise. 318 00:18:53,466 --> 00:18:57,768 They accuse alvarenga of resorting to cannibalism. 319 00:18:57,871 --> 00:19:00,304 This would not be a first. 320 00:19:00,406 --> 00:19:03,207 There are stories of whalers 321 00:19:03,309 --> 00:19:05,276 Who have been lost at sea in the pacific, 322 00:19:05,378 --> 00:19:07,778 And had to resort to cannibalism, 323 00:19:07,881 --> 00:19:10,081 In the 19th century. 324 00:19:10,183 --> 00:19:12,950 It's impossible for anybody to speculate 325 00:19:13,052 --> 00:19:15,620 What they would do in that situation. 326 00:19:15,722 --> 00:19:18,389 Did he kill and cannibalize his partner? 327 00:19:20,527 --> 00:19:26,898 The only person that knows is the fisherman himself. 328 00:19:27,000 --> 00:19:29,967 Wade: A complete physical examination of alvarenga 329 00:19:30,069 --> 00:19:32,703 Reveals symptoms of anemia, 330 00:19:32,805 --> 00:19:34,906 Possibly the result of vitamin deficiencies 331 00:19:35,008 --> 00:19:38,142 Caused by prolonged starvation. 332 00:19:38,244 --> 00:19:43,281 For supporters, it's proof his ordeal really happened. 333 00:19:43,383 --> 00:19:45,983 Tuttle: Some people say this is an impossible journey. 334 00:19:46,085 --> 00:19:48,953 No. No. It's not at all. 335 00:19:49,055 --> 00:19:51,489 This man obviously had the constitution 336 00:19:51,591 --> 00:19:54,559 To survive 438 days. 337 00:19:54,661 --> 00:19:57,028 Yeah, it could have happened. 338 00:19:59,032 --> 00:20:04,869 An unbelievable story or a story of unbelievable endurance? 339 00:20:04,971 --> 00:20:07,972 For many, the jury is still out. 340 00:20:08,074 --> 00:20:10,975 But what nobody denies is that, sometimes, 341 00:20:11,077 --> 00:20:12,977 The battle to be believed 342 00:20:13,079 --> 00:20:17,748 Can be every bit as challenging as the battle to survive. 343 00:20:25,592 --> 00:20:28,726 The annals of seafaring are full of stories 344 00:20:28,828 --> 00:20:31,295 Of mysterious creatures from the deep. 345 00:20:31,397 --> 00:20:35,233 Today, such reports are much more rare. 346 00:20:35,335 --> 00:20:37,101 So, when one does surface, 347 00:20:37,203 --> 00:20:39,804 Evoking the legend of the greatest sea monster 348 00:20:39,906 --> 00:20:42,206 Of them all -- the mighty kraken -- 349 00:20:42,308 --> 00:20:45,042 It demands our attention. 350 00:20:52,318 --> 00:20:56,254 January 12, 2003. 351 00:20:56,356 --> 00:20:58,923 Veteran yachtsman olivier de kersauson 352 00:20:59,025 --> 00:21:01,826 Is attempting to win the jules verne trophy 353 00:21:01,961 --> 00:21:06,063 For the fastest circumnavigation of the world by sail. 354 00:21:06,165 --> 00:21:09,967 There's a relatively unknown story of this sailboat, 355 00:21:10,103 --> 00:21:12,136 The geronimo, that was in a race. 356 00:21:12,238 --> 00:21:15,273 Wade: The 110-foot trimaran geronimo -- 357 00:21:15,375 --> 00:21:17,708 The largest racing yacht of its kind -- 358 00:21:17,810 --> 00:21:20,811 Is making good progress through the north atlantic, 359 00:21:23,016 --> 00:21:26,384 But not far from the portuguese island of madeira, 360 00:21:26,519 --> 00:21:28,719 It suddenly loses speed. 361 00:21:28,821 --> 00:21:31,756 The boat dropped from 24 knots down to 11. 362 00:21:31,858 --> 00:21:33,357 It slowed right down. 363 00:21:33,459 --> 00:21:36,727 Wade: Unable to determine what's caused this deceleration, 364 00:21:36,829 --> 00:21:39,297 The crew inspect below the waterline. 365 00:21:39,399 --> 00:21:41,399 They think something must be wrong with the vessel. 366 00:21:41,501 --> 00:21:44,969 The first mate goes below, and peers through a porthole. 367 00:21:45,071 --> 00:21:47,505 What he reports is something stuck to the rudder 368 00:21:47,607 --> 00:21:50,107 Bigger than his leg. 369 00:21:50,209 --> 00:21:52,276 Wade: He can't believe his eyes. 370 00:21:52,378 --> 00:21:58,049 Some kind of tentacled beast is wrapped around the vessel. 371 00:21:58,151 --> 00:22:01,719 This must have been an incredibly strong creature. 372 00:22:01,821 --> 00:22:04,221 Wade: Armed with only boat hooks and pocket knives, 373 00:22:04,324 --> 00:22:07,792 The crew try to force the animal to let go. 374 00:22:07,894 --> 00:22:12,396 But after an hour of struggle, the creature is still attached. 375 00:22:12,498 --> 00:22:15,699 The captain orders the sails to be lowered. 376 00:22:15,768 --> 00:22:18,269 And as the ship comes to a halt, 377 00:22:18,371 --> 00:22:20,971 The underwater attacker releases its grip, 378 00:22:21,074 --> 00:22:23,474 And vanishes into the deep. 379 00:22:23,576 --> 00:22:25,409 The captain gets a good look at the creature, 380 00:22:25,511 --> 00:22:27,978 And estimates it to be 10 meters long. 381 00:22:28,081 --> 00:22:32,083 Wade: An encounter with a 30-foot tentacled monster of this mass 382 00:22:32,185 --> 00:22:34,618 Is extremely rare. 383 00:22:34,721 --> 00:22:37,288 He says he's never seen anything like it. 384 00:22:37,423 --> 00:22:41,692 Wade: The incident leaves the crew in a state of shock. 385 00:22:41,794 --> 00:22:46,330 What was the mysterious creature that attacked their boat? 386 00:22:46,432 --> 00:22:51,669 The encounter has echoes of ancient sea stories. 387 00:22:51,771 --> 00:22:55,973 Has a legend of the deep resurfaced? 388 00:22:56,075 --> 00:22:57,541 Throughout history, sailors have always 389 00:22:57,643 --> 00:22:59,977 Encountered animals at sea 390 00:23:00,079 --> 00:23:04,382 That they didn't know what to make of, and that they feared. 391 00:23:04,484 --> 00:23:06,917 We don't know what these animals really were, 392 00:23:07,019 --> 00:23:08,919 Or whether they even existed at all 393 00:23:09,021 --> 00:23:13,257 Outside of the imagination of these sailors. 394 00:23:13,359 --> 00:23:16,427 Wade: There is one fabled beast whose name alone 395 00:23:16,529 --> 00:23:20,531 Was enough to terrify hearty sailors for centuries. 396 00:23:20,633 --> 00:23:23,701 The kraken, the breaker of ships, 397 00:23:23,803 --> 00:23:27,471 Large creatures that would pull ships down to their deaths. 398 00:23:29,709 --> 00:23:33,577 Wade: The kraken has always been assumed to be a myth, 399 00:23:33,679 --> 00:23:39,483 But could there be a real-world creature behind the legend? 400 00:23:39,585 --> 00:23:42,753 There are tentacled titans out there. 401 00:23:46,492 --> 00:23:49,960 I've come face-to-face with the giant pacific octopus, 402 00:23:50,062 --> 00:23:52,496 The largest of the octopus family. 403 00:23:55,168 --> 00:23:58,769 Its 20-foot arm span is impressive, 404 00:23:58,871 --> 00:24:02,406 But it's no ship-breaker. 405 00:24:02,508 --> 00:24:05,810 I've also encountered another another potential suspect... 406 00:24:09,215 --> 00:24:11,048 ...Squid. 407 00:24:11,150 --> 00:24:13,884 Voracious deep-sea predators. 408 00:24:15,655 --> 00:24:18,389 This humboldt squid has a powerful beak 409 00:24:18,524 --> 00:24:21,725 Made of one of the hardest substances in the animal world, 410 00:24:21,828 --> 00:24:26,564 And a bite force comparable to a lion. 411 00:24:26,666 --> 00:24:28,132 Quite an impressive beast. 412 00:24:28,234 --> 00:24:31,135 Going back. 413 00:24:31,237 --> 00:24:33,003 The humboldt squid has the aggression 414 00:24:33,105 --> 00:24:37,341 Of the terrifying kraken, but not the size. 415 00:24:37,443 --> 00:24:40,911 There are, however, much bigger squid out there. 416 00:24:44,984 --> 00:24:46,851 There's been evidence of giant squid 417 00:24:46,953 --> 00:24:49,320 Without actual direct observations. 418 00:24:49,422 --> 00:24:53,924 And that evidence comes from their primary predator, 419 00:24:54,026 --> 00:24:56,393 The sperm whale. 420 00:24:56,496 --> 00:25:00,531 Wade: On their deep dives to over 4,000 feet, 421 00:25:00,633 --> 00:25:03,367 Which can last for up to 45 minutes, 422 00:25:03,469 --> 00:25:07,872 Sperm whales are known to prey on giant squid. 423 00:25:07,974 --> 00:25:09,740 Most of the early evidence 424 00:25:09,842 --> 00:25:12,109 Actually came from just pieces of squid 425 00:25:12,211 --> 00:25:15,045 That were found in the stomachs of sperm whales, 426 00:25:15,147 --> 00:25:20,251 Or from the scars on the whales themselves -- 427 00:25:20,353 --> 00:25:23,087 These giant sucker marks from the battles 428 00:25:23,189 --> 00:25:25,489 Between the squid and the whales. 429 00:25:28,027 --> 00:25:31,395 Wade: With only rare sightings and occasional physical evidence, 430 00:25:31,497 --> 00:25:35,399 It's hard to fathom the potential size of this beast. 431 00:25:35,501 --> 00:25:37,468 We know giant squid get big. 432 00:25:37,570 --> 00:25:40,905 We just don't know how big they get. 433 00:25:41,007 --> 00:25:44,375 If you're gonna fight a sperm whale, you better be big. 434 00:25:44,477 --> 00:25:46,777 Wade: Just how big giant squid can grow 435 00:25:46,879 --> 00:25:50,314 Is one of the great deep-ocean mysteries. 436 00:25:50,416 --> 00:25:54,084 But a new science involving a remarkable national phenomenon 437 00:25:54,186 --> 00:25:56,320 Could provide the answer. 438 00:25:59,358 --> 00:26:03,294 Bioluminescence is biologically produced light, 439 00:26:03,396 --> 00:26:05,262 And in the deep pelagic zone, 440 00:26:05,364 --> 00:26:08,732 80% of all animals are bioluminescent. 441 00:26:10,736 --> 00:26:12,770 This strange light-producing property 442 00:26:12,872 --> 00:26:16,106 Inspired a team of scientists, led by dr. Edith widder, 443 00:26:16,208 --> 00:26:18,275 To attempt something unique -- 444 00:26:18,377 --> 00:26:20,778 Attracting the elusive giant squid 445 00:26:20,880 --> 00:26:24,348 Using a lure made of l.E.D. Lights. 446 00:26:24,450 --> 00:26:31,388 Her theory was that, if we can recreate the light sequence 447 00:26:31,490 --> 00:26:34,825 That these squid prey make, 448 00:26:34,927 --> 00:26:38,896 You could potentially use that to attract giant squid. 449 00:26:42,802 --> 00:26:46,570 Wade: This extraordinary footage, captured by dr. Widder's team 450 00:26:46,672 --> 00:26:52,576 2,300 feet down off the coast of japan, astounded biologists. 451 00:27:04,724 --> 00:27:09,593 This clip is incredible because we're seeing this squid 452 00:27:09,695 --> 00:27:12,630 In its natural habitat in the deep sea. 453 00:27:15,201 --> 00:27:18,335 It's never been done before. 454 00:27:18,437 --> 00:27:20,170 Wade: The footage is a first. 455 00:27:20,272 --> 00:27:22,539 But the estimated size of the squid 456 00:27:22,642 --> 00:27:26,777 Is just 14 feet long -- half the size of the beast 457 00:27:26,879 --> 00:27:29,913 That attacked the racing yacht geronimo. 458 00:27:32,652 --> 00:27:35,653 But dr. Widder is not deterred. 459 00:27:35,755 --> 00:27:38,689 In 2019, she relocates her search 460 00:27:38,791 --> 00:27:44,328 To the gulf of mexico, 100 miles off the coast of louisiana. 461 00:27:44,430 --> 00:27:46,897 Her team has developed the electronic lure 462 00:27:46,999 --> 00:27:51,602 To mimic the light patterns of the atolla deep-sea jellyfish, 463 00:27:51,704 --> 00:27:55,706 Which attracts giant squid. 464 00:27:55,808 --> 00:27:58,108 And what rises from the abyss 465 00:27:58,210 --> 00:28:02,946 Single-handedly resurrects the myth of the kraken. 466 00:28:12,258 --> 00:28:14,692 When a huge tentacled creature 467 00:28:14,794 --> 00:28:17,327 Envelopes a racing yacht in the atlantic, 468 00:28:17,430 --> 00:28:21,198 It revives stories of the kraken. 469 00:28:21,300 --> 00:28:24,168 Could the giant squid be the real animal 470 00:28:24,270 --> 00:28:30,808 Behind this recent story and the ancient legend? 471 00:28:30,910 --> 00:28:33,277 Off the southern coast of the united states, 472 00:28:33,379 --> 00:28:37,114 A revolutionary lure that mimics bioluminescent creatures 473 00:28:37,216 --> 00:28:43,454 Is being used as bait to catch, on camera, the stuff of legends. 474 00:28:43,556 --> 00:28:44,888 We're visual animals, 475 00:28:44,990 --> 00:28:48,258 And so, when humans have gone down to explore the deep sea, 476 00:28:48,360 --> 00:28:51,228 Traditionally, we go down and shine these great lights, 477 00:28:51,330 --> 00:28:53,230 So that we can see everything. 478 00:28:53,332 --> 00:28:57,935 But in reality, it probably scares a lot of things away. 479 00:28:58,037 --> 00:29:00,270 Wade: To avoid this, dr. Widder's team 480 00:29:00,339 --> 00:29:04,007 Use infrared cameras to penetrate the darkness, 481 00:29:04,110 --> 00:29:06,610 Allowing them to see, but not disturb, 482 00:29:06,712 --> 00:29:11,115 The creatures that come to investigate the electronic bait. 483 00:29:11,217 --> 00:29:12,950 Hours and hours of darkness, 484 00:29:13,052 --> 00:29:16,487 With maybe the occasional flash of something going by. 485 00:29:18,891 --> 00:29:23,260 And then, suddenly, out of nowhere, come these tentacles. 486 00:29:23,362 --> 00:29:28,532 ♪ 487 00:29:28,634 --> 00:29:33,837 ♪ 488 00:29:33,939 --> 00:29:36,840 It's massive. 489 00:29:36,942 --> 00:29:41,311 Wade: This giant squid is taller than a two-story house, 490 00:29:41,413 --> 00:29:45,582 Easily big enough to take on the racing trimaran geronimo. 491 00:29:48,521 --> 00:29:54,558 So could this be the legendary kraken, breaker of ships? 492 00:29:54,660 --> 00:29:57,294 We just now know they're there. 493 00:29:57,396 --> 00:30:00,230 So, it's answered one question. 494 00:30:00,332 --> 00:30:02,599 It's opened up about a bazillion more. 495 00:30:17,183 --> 00:30:19,883 Deep-water diving can be deadly, 496 00:30:19,985 --> 00:30:22,686 And I've had glimpses of what can go wrong. 497 00:30:30,395 --> 00:30:31,995 When diving deaths happen, 498 00:30:32,097 --> 00:30:35,632 Their causes are often lost beneath the waves. 499 00:30:35,734 --> 00:30:38,569 So when the decapitated corpse of a diver 500 00:30:38,671 --> 00:30:40,537 Is discovered off the coast of England 501 00:30:40,639 --> 00:30:42,439 At the height of the cold war, 502 00:30:42,541 --> 00:30:47,244 There are many theories about what or who may have killed him. 503 00:30:47,346 --> 00:30:49,713 Can new analysis of the evidence 504 00:30:49,815 --> 00:30:53,283 Solve the mystery of the headless frogman? 505 00:30:59,057 --> 00:31:01,592 June 9th, 1957 -- 506 00:31:01,694 --> 00:31:05,195 Chichester harbour, on the south coast of England. 507 00:31:05,297 --> 00:31:07,364 The crew of a commercial fishing boat 508 00:31:07,466 --> 00:31:09,733 Make a gruesome discovery -- 509 00:31:09,835 --> 00:31:12,603 A swollen mass in the water. 510 00:31:12,705 --> 00:31:15,672 It can only be one thing. 511 00:31:15,774 --> 00:31:21,912 A body in a wet suit, missing its head and its hands. 512 00:31:22,014 --> 00:31:25,482 Wade: Preliminary analysis of the rubber-suited torso reveals 513 00:31:25,584 --> 00:31:29,319 It may have been submerged for many months. 514 00:31:29,421 --> 00:31:32,155 And diving fins attached to the rotting feet 515 00:31:32,258 --> 00:31:35,559 Indicate the body is a frogman. 516 00:31:35,661 --> 00:31:40,297 But who is this mysterious dead diver? 517 00:31:40,399 --> 00:31:41,999 All we actually have is the body, 518 00:31:42,101 --> 00:31:44,067 So, if we can understand the body, 519 00:31:44,169 --> 00:31:46,737 Maybe we can say something about the mystery. 520 00:31:46,839 --> 00:31:50,841 Wade: The autopsy report raises many questions. 521 00:31:50,943 --> 00:31:54,177 Why are the diver's head and hands missing? 522 00:31:54,280 --> 00:31:56,780 Have they been eaten by fish, 523 00:31:56,882 --> 00:32:00,784 Cut off by an unfortunate boating accident, 524 00:32:00,886 --> 00:32:04,488 Or has there been foul play? 525 00:32:04,623 --> 00:32:07,624 Typically, when you find only a torso 526 00:32:07,726 --> 00:32:09,092 Missing the head and the hands, 527 00:32:09,194 --> 00:32:14,231 This is an effort to try to hide the identity of the victim. 528 00:32:14,333 --> 00:32:16,199 Wade: Investigators are baffled. 529 00:32:16,302 --> 00:32:19,436 They are unable to match dental records or fingerprints, 530 00:32:19,538 --> 00:32:22,873 Or even determine how long the body has been in the water. 531 00:32:22,975 --> 00:32:24,975 How can you actually recognize a corpse 532 00:32:25,077 --> 00:32:27,878 If it doesn't have a head and hands? 533 00:32:27,980 --> 00:32:31,581 Wade: When authorities comb local files going back over a year, 534 00:32:31,684 --> 00:32:34,751 They discover a possible victim. 535 00:32:34,853 --> 00:32:37,754 And a small scar above the corpse's left knee 536 00:32:37,856 --> 00:32:40,424 Leads investigators to conclude that the body 537 00:32:40,526 --> 00:32:45,729 Is that of retired military diver lionel buster crabb. 538 00:32:45,831 --> 00:32:48,231 Buster crabb was a frogman. 539 00:32:48,334 --> 00:32:49,967 We're talking about soldiers 540 00:32:50,069 --> 00:32:54,071 That are creme de la creme of the underwater commandos. 541 00:32:54,173 --> 00:32:57,374 Wade: Crabb, it turns out, was a scuba-diving pioneer 542 00:32:57,476 --> 00:33:00,544 Who served with distinction during world war ii. 543 00:33:00,646 --> 00:33:02,179 As a demolition frogman, 544 00:33:02,281 --> 00:33:06,249 He was involved in numerous dangerous underwater missions. 545 00:33:06,352 --> 00:33:08,018 The navy frogmen during world war ii 546 00:33:08,120 --> 00:33:11,688 Were the elite of the elite. 547 00:33:11,790 --> 00:33:14,725 Higgs: Combining the kind of rudimentary diving technology 548 00:33:14,827 --> 00:33:18,395 With what was essentially underwater bomb disposal. 549 00:33:18,497 --> 00:33:21,498 Wade: Crabb officially retired from the navy after the war 550 00:33:21,600 --> 00:33:25,135 To become a commercial diver. 551 00:33:25,237 --> 00:33:26,169 He was a treasure hunter. 552 00:33:26,271 --> 00:33:27,938 He was doing a whole lot of other things. 553 00:33:28,040 --> 00:33:29,673 But he wasn't supposed to be doing anything 554 00:33:29,775 --> 00:33:32,642 Related to the military anymore. 555 00:33:32,745 --> 00:33:34,911 Wade: But when investigators study the equipment 556 00:33:35,014 --> 00:33:36,580 Recovered with the corpse, 557 00:33:36,682 --> 00:33:40,450 They notice that the dive fins are military issue. 558 00:33:40,552 --> 00:33:42,386 So, on the day that he died, 559 00:33:42,488 --> 00:33:46,823 Was crabb back working for the armed forces? 560 00:33:46,959 --> 00:33:49,526 A royal navy report released weeks later 561 00:33:49,628 --> 00:33:52,562 Suggests that this is the case. 562 00:33:52,664 --> 00:33:55,699 The navy puts out an official notice that he's missing, 563 00:33:55,801 --> 00:33:58,902 Presumed dead, that there was an apparent accident 564 00:33:59,004 --> 00:34:01,738 Related to testing out new dive equipment. 565 00:34:01,840 --> 00:34:05,275 Wade: The idea that war hero crabb was testing new equipment 566 00:34:05,377 --> 00:34:08,779 For the navy seems plausible. 567 00:34:08,881 --> 00:34:11,214 But there's no mention of decapitation, 568 00:34:11,316 --> 00:34:14,418 And according to the report, the incident in which crabb died 569 00:34:14,520 --> 00:34:17,554 Did not take place where his body was found. 570 00:34:17,656 --> 00:34:21,992 It happened over 10 miles away, near portsmouth harbour. 571 00:34:22,094 --> 00:34:24,795 And this is where the plot thickens. 572 00:34:24,897 --> 00:34:27,064 At the time of crabb's disappearance, 573 00:34:27,166 --> 00:34:30,467 Portsmouth was playing host to a very special visitor -- 574 00:34:30,569 --> 00:34:34,971 An advanced battle cruiser belonging to the soviet navy. 575 00:34:35,074 --> 00:34:37,874 I think the big question is, is was he in fact actually working 576 00:34:37,976 --> 00:34:40,777 As an operative at the time of his death? 577 00:34:40,879 --> 00:34:43,980 Was crabb spying on the soviets? 578 00:34:44,083 --> 00:34:47,350 And if so, did they catch him in the act? 579 00:34:57,796 --> 00:34:59,896 A mutilated corpse is discovered 580 00:34:59,998 --> 00:35:02,933 Off the south coast of 1950s England. 581 00:35:03,035 --> 00:35:07,871 What the dead diver was doing there is shrouded in mystery, 582 00:35:07,973 --> 00:35:11,007 But the answer could shed new light 583 00:35:11,110 --> 00:35:14,611 On a closely guarded state secret. 584 00:35:17,483 --> 00:35:20,817 The cold war between the eastern block and the western allies 585 00:35:20,919 --> 00:35:23,320 Is at its height. 586 00:35:23,422 --> 00:35:25,188 In 1956, there's a summit, 587 00:35:25,290 --> 00:35:27,524 And khrushchev is coming to England. 588 00:35:27,626 --> 00:35:29,826 Wade: The soviet leader, nikita khrushchev, 589 00:35:29,928 --> 00:35:34,331 Has been invited for diplomatic talks, and arrives by sea. 590 00:35:34,433 --> 00:35:36,366 The ship was really a state-of-the-art 591 00:35:36,468 --> 00:35:38,702 Military battleship. 592 00:35:38,804 --> 00:35:42,339 Wade: It's the battle cruiser the ordzhonikidze. 593 00:35:42,441 --> 00:35:45,709 Incredibly attractive for british intelligence 594 00:35:45,811 --> 00:35:49,112 To have an opportunity to maybe do a little bit of spying on it. 595 00:35:49,214 --> 00:35:51,348 British prime minister anthony eden 596 00:35:51,450 --> 00:35:53,984 Is said to have ordered no surveillance operations 597 00:35:54,086 --> 00:35:55,352 As a sign of good faith, 598 00:35:55,454 --> 00:35:58,221 But the temptation perhaps proves too great 599 00:35:58,323 --> 00:36:01,324 For some inside the intelligence community. 600 00:36:01,393 --> 00:36:07,230 Unfortunately, what happens here is, mi6 goes a little rogue. 601 00:36:07,332 --> 00:36:10,834 Wade: Mi6 operatives, possibly acting on their own initiative, 602 00:36:10,936 --> 00:36:12,302 Decide to recruit a diver 603 00:36:12,404 --> 00:36:14,804 To undertake a dangerous operation -- 604 00:36:14,907 --> 00:36:19,109 An underwater spying mission beneath the ordzhonikidze. 605 00:36:19,211 --> 00:36:21,378 And one man fits the bill -- 606 00:36:21,480 --> 00:36:26,116 Retired navy diver lionel buster crabb. 607 00:36:26,218 --> 00:36:27,951 One of the theories is that they chose him 608 00:36:28,053 --> 00:36:30,187 Because he was already out of the military, 609 00:36:30,289 --> 00:36:31,555 And perhaps, if you were caught, 610 00:36:31,657 --> 00:36:35,592 There'd be some room there for plausible deniability. 611 00:36:35,694 --> 00:36:39,663 Wade: But 47-year-old crabb, a lifelong smoker, 612 00:36:39,765 --> 00:36:41,965 Is not in peak condition. 613 00:36:42,067 --> 00:36:44,935 A diver like that, especially in those days, 614 00:36:45,037 --> 00:36:46,603 They were pretty hard-living guys, 615 00:36:46,705 --> 00:36:48,705 And they drank a lot. 616 00:36:48,807 --> 00:36:50,840 Wade: What crabb is tasked with finding out 617 00:36:50,943 --> 00:36:53,643 Under the soviet ship is unclear. 618 00:36:53,745 --> 00:36:57,681 One possibility is that he was trying to study the propeller. 619 00:36:57,783 --> 00:36:59,983 He was trying to get either photographs, 620 00:37:00,085 --> 00:37:02,285 Or even just to see it. 621 00:37:02,387 --> 00:37:06,156 Wade: On April 19th, 1956, crabb is believed to have headed 622 00:37:06,258 --> 00:37:08,291 Out into the waters of portsmouth harbour 623 00:37:08,393 --> 00:37:11,861 With his mi6 controller in a small boat. 624 00:37:11,964 --> 00:37:16,733 After testing his equipment, he disappears into the depths. 625 00:37:19,071 --> 00:37:23,673 Buster crabb is never seen alive again. 626 00:37:23,775 --> 00:37:25,008 What happened to crabb? 627 00:37:25,110 --> 00:37:26,610 Theories abound. 628 00:37:26,712 --> 00:37:28,378 Was he cut by the propeller? 629 00:37:28,480 --> 00:37:30,914 Was he captured by the russians, and decapitated? 630 00:37:31,016 --> 00:37:32,782 Nobody really knows. 631 00:37:32,884 --> 00:37:35,819 Rondeau: It's my speculation that he may have been killed 632 00:37:35,921 --> 00:37:40,056 By the russians, but it's anybody's guess. 633 00:37:40,158 --> 00:37:43,827 There are other, less sinister, theories. 634 00:37:43,929 --> 00:37:48,732 Back in those days, diving was a risky business in itself. 635 00:37:48,834 --> 00:37:52,202 Using rudimentary underwater breathing technology, 636 00:37:52,304 --> 00:37:55,639 You know, the possibility for something to go wrong 637 00:37:55,741 --> 00:37:59,109 Is bound to happen at some point. 638 00:37:59,211 --> 00:38:02,312 If you do twibble a knob a little bit too much, 639 00:38:02,414 --> 00:38:06,483 You can soon find yourselves in a lot of difficulty. 640 00:38:06,585 --> 00:38:10,553 Wade: To avoid detection, crabb was using a rebreather. 641 00:38:10,656 --> 00:38:14,291 This diving equipment doesn't produce telltale bubbles, 642 00:38:14,393 --> 00:38:16,693 But it does require constant attention 643 00:38:16,795 --> 00:38:19,796 And clear thinking on the part of the diver. 644 00:38:19,898 --> 00:38:21,298 The night before the mission, 645 00:38:21,400 --> 00:38:24,734 Apparently, buster is in a pub getting drunk, 646 00:38:24,836 --> 00:38:28,271 Bragging, and telling everybody about how he's a spy. 647 00:38:30,742 --> 00:38:33,476 Diving and drinking do not mix. 648 00:38:33,578 --> 00:38:36,413 Oxygen poisoning is a significant risk 649 00:38:36,515 --> 00:38:39,349 When you're breathing from a rebreather. 650 00:38:39,451 --> 00:38:42,285 Adding alcohol into the mix... 651 00:38:46,625 --> 00:38:50,427 Wade: But could a highly decorated diver of crabb's experience 652 00:38:50,529 --> 00:38:54,030 Really have made such an obvious error of judgement? 653 00:38:54,132 --> 00:38:56,232 Lionel crabb was a war hero. 654 00:38:56,335 --> 00:38:57,500 And for many people, 655 00:38:57,602 --> 00:38:59,903 The idea that a war hero of his magnitude 656 00:39:00,005 --> 00:39:06,343 Make mistakes seems impossible to believe. 657 00:39:06,445 --> 00:39:09,546 Wade: If crabb's death was not an error or an accident, 658 00:39:09,648 --> 00:39:13,249 It opens up the possibility that he was deliberately killed, 659 00:39:13,352 --> 00:39:16,953 Either under the soviet ship or elsewhere. 660 00:39:18,924 --> 00:39:22,092 Evidence for this is limited, but some have questioned 661 00:39:22,194 --> 00:39:24,561 Whether the corpse that was finally found 662 00:39:24,663 --> 00:39:28,698 Could possibly have spent over a year in the water. 663 00:39:28,800 --> 00:39:32,369 It's really unusual that you would find a headless, 664 00:39:32,471 --> 00:39:34,804 Handless, and at all identifiable 665 00:39:34,906 --> 00:39:38,041 As a corpse 14 months later. 666 00:39:38,143 --> 00:39:41,344 Wade: Experts also question how a corpse could possibly 667 00:39:41,446 --> 00:39:43,747 Have made the 10-mile journey 668 00:39:43,849 --> 00:39:47,517 From portsmouth to chichester harbour. 669 00:39:47,619 --> 00:39:49,919 So, it is unlikely that it would've been carried 670 00:39:50,021 --> 00:39:52,555 That far away. 671 00:39:52,657 --> 00:39:54,224 Goodhan: If you look at the currents and the tides, 672 00:39:54,326 --> 00:39:57,093 It doesn't quite match. 673 00:39:57,195 --> 00:39:59,262 According to the regular trends, 674 00:39:59,364 --> 00:40:01,598 That would not be the right place for it to show up. 675 00:40:05,670 --> 00:40:08,538 Wade: So, if crabb's body could not have floated on the tides 676 00:40:08,640 --> 00:40:12,275 To chichester, how did it get there? 677 00:40:12,377 --> 00:40:18,248 Was the body dumped? And if so, by whom? 678 00:40:18,350 --> 00:40:20,884 Something happened between the time it was found 679 00:40:20,986 --> 00:40:23,153 And the time he went missing. 680 00:40:23,255 --> 00:40:27,424 Wade: Did the soviets throw the body overboard as they sailed east, 681 00:40:27,559 --> 00:40:29,459 Or was it planted by an embarrassed 682 00:40:29,561 --> 00:40:31,194 British intelligence service 683 00:40:31,296 --> 00:40:34,631 Trying to cover up a failed operation? 684 00:40:34,733 --> 00:40:37,500 An answer to this mystery may exist, 685 00:40:37,602 --> 00:40:41,304 But right now, there's no way of knowing for sure. 686 00:40:41,406 --> 00:40:43,773 In an unusual move by the british government, 687 00:40:43,875 --> 00:40:46,843 Files relating to the disappearance of lionel crabb 688 00:40:46,945 --> 00:40:50,180 Have been classified for 100 years. 689 00:40:50,282 --> 00:40:54,684 These documents can't be opened until 2057. 690 00:40:54,786 --> 00:40:58,221 By actually making it so secret, and by putting in this thing, 691 00:40:58,356 --> 00:41:00,323 You've actually added to the mystery. 692 00:41:06,064 --> 00:41:10,166 Whether it was an accident, murder, or misadventure, 693 00:41:10,268 --> 00:41:12,402 The solution to the mystery 694 00:41:12,504 --> 00:41:15,305 Of what may have happened to lionel crabb 695 00:41:15,407 --> 00:41:19,342 Lies locked in the depths of a secret vault, 696 00:41:19,444 --> 00:41:23,313 As unreachable as it would be at the bottom of the ocean. 697 00:41:23,415 --> 00:41:29,686 But like a sunken body, it may well resurface one day.