David Attenborough shares harrowing near-death experience in new documentary with Prince William
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Broadcasting legend David Attenborough opened up to Prince William about a harrowing near-death experience while promoting his latest documentary, Ocean.
At 99-years-old, the renowned TV naturalist and biologist donned an original Jacques-Yves Cousteau open-circuit scuba helmet, remarking on its oddity.
As he tried on the helmet in front of the Prince of Wales, David humorously commented: "It's certainly a strange thing to do," prompting laughter from Prince William who jokingly cautioned: "Don't do that, David. You won't get it off."
Recounting a frightening incident from his 1957 Great Barrier Reef adventure, Attenborough then detailed the ordeal where he nearly drowned when testing a scuba-diving helmet.
(Image: PA)
Describing the terrifying moment, he said: "When I put mine on for the first time, I suddenly felt water coming around [my chin and up over my mouth]. I thought, 'This can't be right'.
"And by the time [the water rose to my nose], I thought, 'I'm sure this is not right'. But then, of course, if you got this thing screwed on top of you, you can't breathe. You can't even make yourself heard, you know: 'Get it off me!'"
The documentary star further revealed that despite the director of operations' initial scepticism regarding a fault with the equipment, a quick dip changed his mind swiftly, reports the Express.
(Image: PA)
David recounted: "So he put it on and I'm happy to say he went under the water and came up even quicker than I did, because there was actually a fault," which led to a visibly shocked reaction from Prince William.
The revered biologist's latest National Geographic documentary special, which casts a spotlight on the alarming levels of destruction facing our oceans, premiered on Saturday, June 8, following its cinematic release on May 8 to coincide with David's 99th birthday.
David expressed his dismay at the state of the oceans, particularly the massive coral losses due to rising sea temperatures, remarking: "The awful thing is that it's hidden from you and from me and most people."
He was particularly shocked by the damage inflicted upon the deep ocean floor, stating: "The thing which I was appalled by when I first saw the shots taken for this film, is that what we have done to the deep ocean floor is just unspeakably awful."
David highlighted the stark contrast in reactions to environmental damage on land compared to the sea, saying: "If you did anything remotely like it on land, everybody would be up in arms.
"If this film does anything - if it just shifts public awareness - it'll be very, very important, and I only hope that people who see it will recognise that something must be done before we destroy this great treasure."
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