David Attenborough nearly drowns due to faulty diving equipment in 1957

In 1957, David Attenborough, a renowned broadcaster and environmentalist, experienced a near-drowning incident while testing scuba diving equipment in the Great Barrier Reef, Australia. During an event at Royal Festival Hall in May 2022, Attenborough recounted the alarming episode when he first used a helmet that had been made popular by Jacques-Yves Cousteau. As water surged around his chin and rose to his nose, he realized that the equipment was malfunctioning, leaving him unable to breathe or call for help. Afterward, a director on set tested the helmet, finding the same issue and emerging from the water swiftly, validating Attenborough's concerns about the faulty equipment. This engaging tale unfolded as Attenborough, who turned 99 in May 2022, discussed his latest documentary, 'Oceans.' The documentary highlights significant discoveries made by scientists and explorers over the past century while shedding light on the poor health of the oceans and the imperative to restore them. It covers various marine habitats across the globe, including the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Oceania, promoting methods to reverse the damage caused by human activities. Attenborough has a long-standing career in nature documentaries, with his recent works encompassing 'Planet Earth,' 'The Blue Planet,' and 'Dynasties,' which feature endangered species and their struggle for survival. The documentary can still be enjoyed in cinemas and is also available on platforms such as National Geographic, Disney+, and Hulu.