David Attenborough shares harrowing near-death experience in new documentary with Prince William
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info
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."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
Bookies have already tipped two hopefuls to win this year's Love Island
Love Island 2025 kicks off tonight, with Megan Forte Clarke and Dejon Noel Williams already tipped to win - but a bombshell arrival has already thrown a spanner in the works Love Island 2025 is set to kick off tonight, and anticipation for this year's villa hopefuls is already at fever pitch, with Megan Forte Clarke and Dejon Noel Williams tipped as early favourites to secure the much-coveted top spots. The latest odds from betting gurus at OLBG suggest that Megan and Dejon are leading the pack as favourites for Top Female and Top Male of the season. But with unexpected arrivals and last-minute line-up alterations, the villa is already brimming with surprises. Megan Forte Clarke currently leads the board at 7/2, boasting a 22.2% chance of emerging as this year's queen bee. However, her reign could be brief. A significant twist has already hit before the first coupling, with 24 year old American Toni Laites unveiled as the season's first bombshell. Her entrance could potentially shake up the market, reports the Express. Love Island 2025: Top Female Odds Dejon Noel Williams and Harry Cooksley are now neck and neck for the top male spot, both standing at 4/1 odds. Meanwhile, rugby player Conor Phillips has unexpectedly joined the competition following a dramatic reshuffle. Love Island 2025: Top Male Odds Just hours ahead of the season's launch, ITV confirmed that original contestant Kyle Ashman had been dropped after revelations surfaced about his previous arrest on suspicion of a machete attack. He has now been replaced by Phillips, whose late entry could upset the balance. Jake Ashton, Entertainment Betting Editor at OLBG, remarked: "Every year we see bombshells disrupt the odds, and Toni could do just that. Once she's in the villa and viewers see her impact, expect her price to shorten quickly." The Love Island villa is gearing up for excitement with bombshells already making waves - the betting odds are alive and kicking off. For all the latest odds and forecasts, you can check out the full details here.
Daily Record
4 hours ago
- Daily Record
BBC period drama hailed 'perfect watching' as fans say it's 'better than Call The Midwife'
The beloved show boasts a star studded cast and is now available to stream on Amazon. A popular period drama named Lark Rise to Candleford has received rave reviews from fans of the show, which has been compared to the hit BBC medical drama Call the Midwife. The programme is set in 19th-century Oxfordshire and follows the story of a young girl who moves to a local market town in the county and starts an apprenticeship as a postmistress. It is an on screen adaptation of Flora Thompson's memoir of her Oxfordshire childhood, set in the small hamlet of Lark Rise and the wealthier neighbouring market town Candleford. Lark Rise to Candleford boasts various well-known British actors in its cast. The stars include Linda Bassett, who played Nurse Phyllis Crane in Call the Midwife and Victoria Hamilton, who has starred in multiple period dramas including The Crown and Victoria and Albert. Lark Rise to Candleford was broadcasted on the BBC between 2008 and 2011 and all four seasons are now available to stream on Amazon Prime video and Apple TV. The series, which has a total of 40 episodes, has an impressive 8.2 rating on IMDb across its four seasons with fans hailing it as "perfect" viewing, the Express reports. One particularly impressed viewer penned on the platform:"After Pride and Prejudice, Jane Eyre and this winter's Cranford, I thought that the BBC couldn't do any better: that it had reached its peak. Boy, was I wrong. "I was apprehensive about watching Lark Rise because of this, but those doubts were removed immediately as I fell in love with all the characters, especially Julia Sawalha, who surpasses herself, obviously moving away from her most famous role as Lydia Bennett in Pride and Prejudice, and she does so delightfully." Another chimed in: "I discovered this delightful little show during one of my many inpatient vacations in the hospital when I was struggling with End Stage Kidney Disease. "It truly was one of the things that helped me through the worst times..." A third enthusiastic viewer added: "This is one of the best series I've ever seen on BBC. I was gorged on watching all 40 episodes on BritBox, which I just adore. "The series is very well filmed, with fantastic actors and actresses." Another fan, who gave the show top marks, remarked: "This is the best of the best costume dramas, and perhaps the best BBC production!!!! "The acting, the set, the costumes, the story line, and lessons learned about dealing with life/people issues in a fun yet serious fashion." However, it is not the only popular period drama which is currently available to stream on Amazon. Viewers are also raving about an 'incredible' six-part period drama series, which was written by Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes. The programme, Belgravia, is set in the 19th century and takes its initial bow at an event that is engraved in history - the Duchess of Richmond's ball of June 1815, a notable affair just days before the Battle of Waterloo. Centring on the intrigues of the Trenchard and Bellasis families, the series dives headfirst into familiar territory for devotees of period drama, complete with clandestine scandals, high-society relationships, and the intricate dance of class politics.
Glasgow Times
5 hours ago
- Glasgow Times
Tiny meerkat pups find their feet in Scottish safari park
The four pups at Blairdrummond Safari Park were born on May 10 to parents Cardi B and Biggie. New photos show the pups scampering about their enclosure at the park, exploring their surroundings. (Image: PA) READ NEXT:Rachel Reeves reveals changes to Winter Fuel Payments this year Staff at the park say they are settling in and starting to "show a bit of character" in their home at the park. It is the third litter for the pair since they joined the park in 2022. Meerkat pups are born blind, deaf and almost hairless but keepers said that now, aged around one month, the animals have opened their eyes and begun exploring the outside world. (Image: PA) Meerkats are described as incredibly social animals and live in tight-knit groups known as mobs which work together to raise their young. (Image: PA) (Image: PA) (Image: PA) Carolyn Booth, Pets Farm Team Leader at Blair Drummond, said: "The pups are just starting to find their feet and show a bit of character - it's a brilliant stage to watch. "They're getting more confident by the day, and the rest of the mob has really stepped up to help raise them. It's a real family effort." The pups have now started nibbling on bits of solid food and spend time following the adults around and practising their digging skills."
