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Wade: In the aftermath
of a tsunami disaster,
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00:00:05,139 --> 00:00:10,376
Can underwater robots succeed
where no humans can go?
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00:00:10,378 --> 00:00:13,712
Tuttle: This is a robot in
highly radioactive water,
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00:00:13,714 --> 00:00:15,280
And it's, like,
three levels bad.
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00:00:15,282 --> 00:00:18,584
Wade: How did a shipwreck end up
perfectly preserved
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00:00:18,586 --> 00:00:21,153
On the bottom
of the great lakes?
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She is completely intact.
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It was almost as if it had been
sort of gently placed
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On the bottom of the lake.
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00:00:27,294 --> 00:00:29,495
Wade:
And what's the dark secret
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00:00:29,497 --> 00:00:32,831
Buried inside
a toxic nazi submarine?
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00:00:32,833 --> 00:00:36,268
There is a ticking time bomb
at the bottom of the ocean here.
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00:00:39,940 --> 00:00:44,777
Wade: The underwater realm
is another dimension.
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It's a physically
hostile place,
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Where dreams of promise
can sink into darkness.
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I'm jeremy wade.
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I'm searching the world
to bring you the most iconic
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And baffling underwater
mysteries known to science.
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Shipwrecks can't
just disappear.
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Or can they?
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Wade: It's a dangerous,
unexplored frontier
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That swallows evidence...
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We know more
about the face of mars
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Than we do our deepest oceans.
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Wade:
...Where unknown is normal
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And understanding is rare.
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-- Captions by vitac --
www.Vitac.Com
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Captions paid for by
discovery communications
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♪
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♪
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The most extreme force
in the ocean, the tsunami,
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Has killed hundreds of thousands
of people over the centuries
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And wrought destruction
across the planet.
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And the most powerful man-made
force on earth, nuclear energy,
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Has wrought destruction
and death in equal measure.
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So what happens when
these two forces meet?
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In japan, this clash has led
to a toxic mystery
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That science is still
struggling to solve.
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♪
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March 11, 2011,
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Approximately
45 miles east of japan,
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Deep beneath the pacific,
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A magnitude 9,
mega-thrust earthquake
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Rips through the ocean floor.
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00:02:33,621 --> 00:02:35,821
Barrett:
Japan is basically sitting
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Right on top of the pacific rim,
the ring of fire.
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00:02:39,527 --> 00:02:43,095
It's a whole series of deep,
underwater trenches,
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Where one tectonic plate
is moving underneath another.
49
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The pacific plate goes
under the japan plate,
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00:02:52,506 --> 00:02:56,708
And it snapped up,
almost 100 feet in places.
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♪
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00:03:03,184 --> 00:03:05,250
Wade:
The earthquake is so powerful,
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It moves the main island
of japan 8 feet to the east
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00:03:09,523 --> 00:03:14,893
And shifts the earth on its axis
by over 6 inches.
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It was the largest earthquake
they recorded there
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In many centuries.
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Wade: But this natural disaster
is only just beginning.
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The earthquake created
a huge series of waves,
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Tsunami waves, or tidal waves,
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That basically raced toward
the mainland of japan.
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Wade: 45 minutes later,
waves over 40 feet high
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And traveling in places
at speeds
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Of several hundred miles
per hour, hit the land.
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♪
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The harbor has
this tsunami wall.
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00:04:02,376 --> 00:04:04,443
And you just see
the water rise up,
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00:04:04,445 --> 00:04:06,778
Go to the top
of that tsunami wall
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00:04:06,780 --> 00:04:10,382
And just pour over
into the town.
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00:04:10,384 --> 00:04:13,619
Wright: Cars are flipped around
like toys,
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00:04:13,621 --> 00:04:16,922
Buildings are completely flooded
and smashed,
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People are swept away
at a moment's notice.
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It's just a nightmare.
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♪
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Tuttle:
They were prepared for tsunamis.
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They were not prepared
for that tsunami.
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Narrator: Sitting right in
the path of the oncoming tsunami
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Is the fukushima daiichi
nuclear power plant.
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♪
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♪
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Barrett: It flooded the plant,
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Much higher
than they ever expected.
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The plants were designed
for a 18-foot-high tsunami wave.
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00:05:03,771 --> 00:05:06,238
What actually hit them
was 45 feet,
84
00:05:06,240 --> 00:05:10,542
So it was three times higher
than they ever expected.
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00:05:10,544 --> 00:05:13,178
It's an absolute disaster.
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00:05:14,848 --> 00:05:17,816
Who could anticipate something
like this?
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Wade: The angry ocean torrent
floods the emergency generators,
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00:05:22,122 --> 00:05:24,790
Cutting electricity
to the cooling system
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00:05:24,792 --> 00:05:30,162
That keeps the nuclear reactor
cores at a safe temperature.
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00:05:30,164 --> 00:05:34,166
Barrett:
And the cores overheated,
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00:05:34,168 --> 00:05:36,802
The gas built up inside,
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The pressure's increased
because they could not cool it.
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It ignited with a spark
somewhere,
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And two of
the buildings exploded.
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♪
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Wade: All three reactor cores
largely melt.
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Then, like lava from a volcano,
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They pour through 6 inches
of steel
99
00:06:01,128 --> 00:06:05,597
At the bottom of the reactor
and down into concrete.
100
00:06:05,599 --> 00:06:07,799
I refer to it as hell on earth
sometimes,
101
00:06:07,801 --> 00:06:09,534
Where there was operators
in the control room,
102
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In the dark,
wearing protective equipment,
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You know, trying to figure out,
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You know,
what they were gonna do.
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[ alarm blaring ]
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Wade: Millions of gallons
of seawater
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Are urgently pumped in
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00:06:21,315 --> 00:06:24,583
To cool the core temperatures
down to a safe level
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And prevent the release
of more radioactive gas.
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The biggest concern in this
situation, of course,
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00:06:32,393 --> 00:06:35,961
Is the sort of exposure
and release
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00:06:35,963 --> 00:06:40,599
Of radioactive materials
from the nuclear facility.
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00:06:40,601 --> 00:06:43,835
Wade: Leaks from the plant
are not without precedent.
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In previous spills, thousands
of tons of contaminated water
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Have leaked into the ocean,
116
00:06:51,779 --> 00:06:54,780
But it's the water around
the destroyed reactors
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00:06:54,782 --> 00:06:57,849
That poses the most
immediate problem.
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00:06:57,851 --> 00:07:00,385
There's different levels
of water in the three reactors.
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00:07:00,387 --> 00:07:03,121
One of them is --
the water level is low,
120
00:07:03,123 --> 00:07:05,724
The other one the water
is about 2 feet deep,
121
00:07:05,726 --> 00:07:07,559
And the other one
it's about 9 feet deep,
122
00:07:07,561 --> 00:07:09,528
So the molten core is underwater
123
00:07:09,530 --> 00:07:12,898
And there's always water being
injected on it to keep it cool.
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00:07:12,900 --> 00:07:15,567
Wade: Not only did water
cause untold damage
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00:07:15,569 --> 00:07:17,402
When it consumed the plant,
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00:07:17,404 --> 00:07:21,173
It's now stubbornly getting
in the way of the cleanup,
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00:07:21,175 --> 00:07:24,443
And it's incredibly dangerous.
128
00:07:24,445 --> 00:07:27,245
You have all this water around
that radioactive material,
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00:07:27,247 --> 00:07:29,915
Which, in itself,
becomes radioactive.
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00:07:29,917 --> 00:07:33,618
Wade: Sending divers into the
radioactive underwater areas
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00:07:33,620 --> 00:07:35,320
Is not an option.
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00:07:35,322 --> 00:07:37,722
Barrett: The radiation levels
are excessively high,
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So, you know,
it'd be fatal to go inside.
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00:07:40,194 --> 00:07:44,496
Wade: So another solution needs
to be found, and fast,
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00:07:44,498 --> 00:07:46,832
Because until it's contained,
there remains
136
00:07:46,834 --> 00:07:51,770
The risk of radioactive
runoff leaking into the ocean.
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How do the japanese take care
of this environmental disaster
138
00:07:55,776 --> 00:07:57,008
Waiting to happen?
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00:08:02,816 --> 00:08:07,152
♪
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00:08:07,154 --> 00:08:08,653
Years after a tsunami
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00:08:08,655 --> 00:08:12,757
Floods the fukushima
nuclear facility,
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00:08:12,759 --> 00:08:16,061
Almost 1,000 tons
of radioactive material
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00:08:16,063 --> 00:08:21,366
Lie scattered and submerged in
the bowels of the power plant.
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00:08:21,368 --> 00:08:25,570
Can new technology speed up
the critical cleanup operation
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00:08:25,572 --> 00:08:28,974
To halt the spread
of radioactive contamination
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00:08:28,976 --> 00:08:32,310
To the ocean?
147
00:08:32,312 --> 00:08:36,648
With the distance of the pacific
being just 100 yards,
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00:08:36,650 --> 00:08:40,018
Another earthquake
could very easily cause
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00:08:40,020 --> 00:08:43,054
A disaster far greater
than this one.
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00:08:43,056 --> 00:08:45,090
So the team is under
a constant pressure
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00:08:45,092 --> 00:08:47,425
To get the control
of the radioactive material
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00:08:47,427 --> 00:08:49,361
And get it to a safe place.
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00:08:49,363 --> 00:08:53,331
They're not cleaning up, they're
figuring out how to clean up.
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00:08:53,333 --> 00:08:56,434
Wade: Technicians are struggling
to solve the problem,
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00:08:56,436 --> 00:09:01,773
But so far, they've been unable
to even reach the reactor cores.
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00:09:01,775 --> 00:09:05,343
It requires technology
beyond cleaning crews
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00:09:05,345 --> 00:09:07,045
And human cleanup.
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00:09:10,450 --> 00:09:12,017
Wade: This is not a first.
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00:09:12,019 --> 00:09:16,821
In 1979, the three mile island
facility in pennsylvania
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00:09:16,823 --> 00:09:20,592
Suffered the worst nuclear
accident in u.S. History.
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00:09:20,594 --> 00:09:23,595
Lake barrett was a director
of the plant.
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00:09:23,597 --> 00:09:25,997
In the case
of three mile island,
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00:09:25,999 --> 00:09:29,568
We had several million gallons
of highly radioactive water.
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00:09:29,570 --> 00:09:34,472
We had to develop specialized
cleanup systems.
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00:09:34,474 --> 00:09:37,709
Wade: Faced with a molten core
submerged in water,
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Lake's team employed
a pioneering solution
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For the time -- robots.
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00:09:44,151 --> 00:09:47,652
We had robots at three mile
island, very crude robots,
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00:09:47,654 --> 00:09:48,753
1980 robots.
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We were able to develop
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The equipment
to remove the core.
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00:09:52,559 --> 00:09:54,693
And over
the next seven years of work,
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It was successfully removed.
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00:09:56,897 --> 00:09:57,963
Wade: But this operation
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00:09:57,965 --> 00:10:01,099
Required international
assistance.
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00:10:01,101 --> 00:10:04,569
We were reaching out
to the world for help,
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00:10:04,571 --> 00:10:06,071
And only one country
in the world
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00:10:06,073 --> 00:10:08,773
Came to our aid
and that was japan.
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00:10:08,775 --> 00:10:11,376
So when I was asked
to help them,
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I felt it necessary to do that.
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00:10:14,615 --> 00:10:17,616
Wade: Could the solution
found in the u.S. -- Robots --
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00:10:17,618 --> 00:10:19,784
Be the answer at fukushima?
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00:10:19,786 --> 00:10:22,520
In theory, this sounds
pretty straightforward.
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00:10:22,522 --> 00:10:24,723
Let's create some robots
that can go in
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And photograph and clean up.
186
00:10:27,294 --> 00:10:30,328
The practical reality is
much more complicated.
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00:10:30,330 --> 00:10:32,530
Wade: The meltdown caused
by the tsunami
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Has created a no man's land
inside the reactors,
189
00:10:36,436 --> 00:10:40,171
An uncharted lethal landscape,
much of it underwater,
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00:10:40,173 --> 00:10:43,341
That the robots
will need to navigate.
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00:10:43,343 --> 00:10:48,413
The robots have to be small
to go inside the reactor vessel,
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00:10:48,415 --> 00:10:51,883
And it's complicated work
to get these small ones to work
193
00:10:51,885 --> 00:10:53,318
And do what you want.
194
00:10:53,320 --> 00:10:56,321
Wi-fi and radio signals
do not work in there
195
00:10:56,323 --> 00:10:59,691
Because of thick, reinforced
concrete walls.
196
00:11:02,062 --> 00:11:04,863
Wade:
Finally, a robot is ready.
197
00:11:04,865 --> 00:11:08,333
Known as scorpion, it has cost
tens of millions of dollars
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00:11:08,335 --> 00:11:10,835
To develop
and put into operation.
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00:11:12,072 --> 00:11:13,638
Barrett: They had a --
the camera would come up
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00:11:13,640 --> 00:11:17,609
Like a tail of a scorpion
over the front.
201
00:11:17,611 --> 00:11:19,244
It went about 10 feet,
202
00:11:19,246 --> 00:11:21,546
And it got caught on debris.
203
00:11:23,917 --> 00:11:26,818
It couldn't get down
into the molten-core area.
204
00:11:29,356 --> 00:11:32,390
This was a multi-million
dollar mistake.
205
00:11:32,392 --> 00:11:35,360
Wade:
It's back to the drawing board.
206
00:11:35,362 --> 00:11:39,264
Other robots follow
but with limited success.
207
00:11:41,501 --> 00:11:46,371
They were supposed to work, we
thought, for about eight hours.
208
00:11:46,373 --> 00:11:49,541
They worked for about an hour
and a half before the radiation
209
00:11:49,543 --> 00:11:51,810
Basically fried
the circuits inside.
210
00:11:56,149 --> 00:12:00,552
Wade: The robots fail to get
near the reactor cores.
211
00:12:00,554 --> 00:12:02,887
You learn more from a failure
than from a success
212
00:12:02,889 --> 00:12:04,289
In many ways.
213
00:12:04,291 --> 00:12:07,225
Wade: Eventually, designers come
up with an underwater robot
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00:12:07,227 --> 00:12:10,261
Called little sunfish.
215
00:12:10,263 --> 00:12:14,532
Its task is to navigate into the
heart of the flooded reactors.
216
00:12:17,237 --> 00:12:20,238
Barrett: The sunfish was a
small, tethered submarine
217
00:12:20,240 --> 00:12:21,439
With cameras on it,
218
00:12:21,441 --> 00:12:23,708
About 5 inches in diameter,
219
00:12:23,710 --> 00:12:26,745
That had to swim down
through a little doorway
220
00:12:26,747 --> 00:12:29,814
Underneath the reactor vessel.
221
00:12:29,816 --> 00:12:34,419
Wade: Sunfish enters an
underwater realm like no other.
222
00:12:34,421 --> 00:12:40,058
♪
223
00:12:40,060 --> 00:12:43,628
Finally, it glimpses something
through the murky water...
224
00:12:45,198 --> 00:12:47,832
...Almost stalactite-like
formations
225
00:12:47,834 --> 00:12:49,601
Dripping like candle wax.
226
00:12:51,838 --> 00:12:53,338
Barrett:
You could see pieces of fuel
227
00:12:53,340 --> 00:12:56,708
And you could see,
you know, molten debris.
228
00:12:56,710 --> 00:12:58,610
This was the first time
we got to see that,
229
00:12:58,612 --> 00:13:01,780
So everybody was very excited
about the success of it.
230
00:13:01,782 --> 00:13:03,014
Wade: With this breakthrough,
231
00:13:03,016 --> 00:13:05,717
The cleanup team
can now look to build bigger,
232
00:13:05,719 --> 00:13:08,887
Muscle robots
to remove the debris.
233
00:13:08,889 --> 00:13:11,823
Clarke: Without this technology,
without robots,
234
00:13:11,825 --> 00:13:13,925
This would not be possible.
235
00:13:13,927 --> 00:13:15,593
Wade: But developing
and deploying
236
00:13:15,595 --> 00:13:19,264
This advanced robot fleet
to clean up fukushima
237
00:13:19,266 --> 00:13:22,767
Is a major,
long-term challenge.
238
00:13:22,769 --> 00:13:25,937
The cost of this
is going to be large.
239
00:13:25,939 --> 00:13:29,908
It's going to be about
$200 billion,
240
00:13:29,910 --> 00:13:33,444
And the technical cleanup
of the site itself
241
00:13:33,446 --> 00:13:35,346
Is going to be multi decades.
242
00:13:35,348 --> 00:13:37,248
Wade:
Until the cleanup is complete,
243
00:13:37,250 --> 00:13:40,585
Fukushima will remain
a potential radioactive risk
244
00:13:40,587 --> 00:13:42,353
To the neighboring ocean,
245
00:13:42,355 --> 00:13:44,923
And the ocean itself
remains a clear
246
00:13:44,925 --> 00:13:48,193
And present danger to the plant.
247
00:13:48,195 --> 00:13:50,595
Clarke: What happens
if there's another earthquake,
248
00:13:50,597 --> 00:13:51,763
Another tsunami,
249
00:13:51,765 --> 00:13:53,598
And we haven't dealt
with this in time?
250
00:13:53,600 --> 00:13:58,036
♪
251
00:13:58,038 --> 00:14:00,538
One thing we do know
is that we underestimate
252
00:14:00,540 --> 00:14:02,006
The forces of nature,
253
00:14:02,008 --> 00:14:04,342
Whether the untamed power
of the ocean,
254
00:14:04,344 --> 00:14:08,112
Or the harnessed energy
of the atom at our peril.
255
00:14:08,114 --> 00:14:17,622
♪
256
00:14:17,624 --> 00:14:20,258
I've dived
on numerous shipwrecks,
257
00:14:20,260 --> 00:14:23,494
And many are just that --
258
00:14:23,496 --> 00:14:26,998
Rotted, rusting wrecks.
259
00:14:27,000 --> 00:14:29,968
But on rare occasions,
the depths offer up
260
00:14:29,970 --> 00:14:32,871
That holy grail
of marine archeology --
261
00:14:32,873 --> 00:14:36,007
The wreck
that's perfectly preserved.
262
00:14:36,009 --> 00:14:39,143
With all the evidence intact,
unraveling the mystery
263
00:14:39,145 --> 00:14:42,413
Of what happened to the ship
should be easy,
264
00:14:42,415 --> 00:14:44,015
Or so you'd think.
265
00:14:44,017 --> 00:14:50,889
♪
266
00:14:50,891 --> 00:14:54,826
1986, lake huron,
267
00:14:54,828 --> 00:14:58,196
The second largest
of the great lakes.
268
00:15:00,867 --> 00:15:03,234
Shipwreck hunters
are exploring the waters
269
00:15:03,236 --> 00:15:05,403
In the northwest of the lake
270
00:15:05,405 --> 00:15:07,972
When they make
a jaw-dropping discovery.
271
00:15:10,744 --> 00:15:13,978
A schooner, more than
100 years old,
272
00:15:13,980 --> 00:15:17,582
Frozen in time on the lake bed.
273
00:15:17,584 --> 00:15:20,518
She is completely intact.
274
00:15:20,520 --> 00:15:22,186
Tuttle:
The masts are still up.
275
00:15:22,188 --> 00:15:26,090
The rings that hold the sails
that go up the mast
276
00:15:26,092 --> 00:15:27,725
Are still in place.
277
00:15:27,727 --> 00:15:30,695
The cargo of grain
is still in the hold.
278
00:15:30,697 --> 00:15:35,566
I mean, this vessel is
in pretty spectacular condition.
279
00:15:35,568 --> 00:15:38,336
It was almost as if it had been
sort of gently placed
280
00:15:38,338 --> 00:15:40,071
On the bottom of the lake.
281
00:15:40,073 --> 00:15:43,641
Wade: What sank this perfectly
preserved wreck?
282
00:15:51,551 --> 00:15:55,119
A perfect, undamaged shipwreck
has been found
283
00:15:55,121 --> 00:15:57,488
At the bottom of lake huron,
284
00:15:57,490 --> 00:16:01,225
But what happened to her?
285
00:16:01,227 --> 00:16:05,930
How is it that this great ship
is pristine in condition,
286
00:16:05,932 --> 00:16:09,534
Resting on a lake bed?
287
00:16:09,536 --> 00:16:13,137
Wade: On the ship's side,
divers discover a name,
288
00:16:13,139 --> 00:16:16,441
The cornelia b. Windiate.
289
00:16:16,443 --> 00:16:21,479
She's a 136-foot schooner
that went missing with all hands
290
00:16:21,481 --> 00:16:25,416
During the November
storm season of 1875.
291
00:16:27,420 --> 00:16:29,787
The great lakes take
their fair share of ships.
292
00:16:31,291 --> 00:16:35,827
Wade: 6,000 shipwrecks litter
the beds of these huge lakes
293
00:16:35,829 --> 00:16:39,430
And over 30,000 lives
have been lost.
294
00:16:39,432 --> 00:16:41,199
If a vessel's in a storm,
295
00:16:41,201 --> 00:16:44,135
Usually that storm creates havoc
on the vessels.
296
00:16:44,137 --> 00:16:48,773
You know,
it can rip things off the deck,
297
00:16:48,775 --> 00:16:53,444
Tear things apart,
bust masts, things like that.
298
00:16:53,446 --> 00:16:56,614
None of that is seen
on the windiate.
299
00:16:56,616 --> 00:16:58,116
Elliott: If that ship had sunk
in a storm,
300
00:16:58,118 --> 00:17:01,152
You'd expect it
to be smashed to pieces.
301
00:17:02,856 --> 00:17:04,989
Wade:
As well as no signs of damage,
302
00:17:04,991 --> 00:17:08,259
There are no signs of any crew.
303
00:17:08,261 --> 00:17:10,561
Elliott: We don't know
where the crew are.
304
00:17:10,563 --> 00:17:14,465
There are no bodies
associated with it at all.
305
00:17:14,467 --> 00:17:15,800
Wade: But we do know
306
00:17:15,802 --> 00:17:18,970
That they didn't make
a standard maritime escape.
307
00:17:18,972 --> 00:17:21,806
Lying in perfect condition
on the lake bed
308
00:17:21,808 --> 00:17:24,542
Is the schooner's
single lifeboat.
309
00:17:27,847 --> 00:17:31,616
What happened to the windiate
and her men?
310
00:17:31,618 --> 00:17:34,318
Goodman: One thing is certain --
the ship sank.
311
00:17:34,320 --> 00:17:38,589
Why or how it sank is
a little bit more unclear.
312
00:17:38,591 --> 00:17:40,324
Wade: In the 1870s,
313
00:17:40,326 --> 00:17:44,862
Lake huron was part
of a valuable grain route.
314
00:17:44,864 --> 00:17:47,331
Tuttle: We know the vessel
left milwaukee
315
00:17:47,333 --> 00:17:49,167
Loaded with tons of grain.
316
00:17:49,169 --> 00:17:51,035
She was heading to buffalo,
317
00:17:51,037 --> 00:17:55,473
One of the great grain centers
on the eastern great lakes.
318
00:17:55,475 --> 00:17:59,844
Wade: A November sailing
carried weather risks,
319
00:17:59,846 --> 00:18:03,448
But with fewer voyages being
undertaken at this time of year,
320
00:18:03,450 --> 00:18:06,084
It's likely there would
have been a financial incentive
321
00:18:06,086 --> 00:18:08,453
For the crew.
322
00:18:08,455 --> 00:18:11,989
The area depends on
this kind of trade,
323
00:18:11,991 --> 00:18:15,159
And there would be nothing worse
than a bunch of rotting grain,
324
00:18:15,161 --> 00:18:17,495
Especially at the end
of the season.
325
00:18:17,497 --> 00:18:19,664
Wade: It appears
that the windiate
326
00:18:19,666 --> 00:18:21,365
Was leaving nothing to waste.
327
00:18:21,367 --> 00:18:23,668
Port records show
that on departure,
328
00:18:23,670 --> 00:18:28,106
She was overloaded
with 30% more cargo than usual.
329
00:18:30,844 --> 00:18:34,078
During her voyage, the windiate
would likely have encountered
330
00:18:34,080 --> 00:18:35,413
Gale-force winds
331
00:18:35,415 --> 00:18:39,517
And temperatures down
to minus 10 degrees or colder.
332
00:18:39,519 --> 00:18:41,552
So is it possible
that the freezing weather
333
00:18:41,554 --> 00:18:46,424
Provided an unexpected escape
route for the missing crew?
334
00:18:46,426 --> 00:18:48,226
Goodman:
Because it was cold weather,
335
00:18:48,228 --> 00:18:51,329
Perhaps the ship itself
got stuck into ice,
336
00:18:51,331 --> 00:18:54,132
And the crew tried
to leave the ship.
337
00:18:54,134 --> 00:18:57,668
Wade: Such an escape
is not without precedent.
338
00:18:57,670 --> 00:19:00,738
In winter, the great lakes
are prone to freezing,
339
00:19:00,740 --> 00:19:04,642
And thick ice could've provided
a route to shore,
340
00:19:04,644 --> 00:19:07,912
But one piece of evidence
suggests the windiate crew
341
00:19:07,914 --> 00:19:10,648
Did not simply walk
off the ship.
342
00:19:10,650 --> 00:19:13,618
Clarke: Now, the lifeboat
has been left behind.
343
00:19:13,620 --> 00:19:15,720
Knowing that the ice is
sometimes treacherous,
344
00:19:15,722 --> 00:19:17,255
You would've expected them
to have possibly taken
345
00:19:17,257 --> 00:19:19,891
The lifeboat with them.
346
00:19:19,893 --> 00:19:23,094
Wade: And the latest analysis
of wind directions suggest
347
00:19:23,096 --> 00:19:28,666
That a significant lake freeze
didn't happen in this period.
348
00:19:28,668 --> 00:19:34,272
So getting stuck seems unlikely,
and even if that did happen,
349
00:19:34,274 --> 00:19:37,942
The force of ice crushing it
from all sides would be evident
350
00:19:37,944 --> 00:19:42,413
On the windiate's remains,
which are undamaged.
351
00:19:44,250 --> 00:19:47,652
But could a much more recent
tragedy on the high seas
352
00:19:47,654 --> 00:19:51,556
Provide a new lead in
solving this puzzling mystery?
353
00:19:54,327 --> 00:19:59,330
2017, the bering sea
in the northern pacific ocean.
354
00:20:00,667 --> 00:20:04,035
Seattle-based crab boat,
the destination,
355
00:20:04,037 --> 00:20:08,673
Sails into severely cold
and rough conditions.
356
00:20:08,675 --> 00:20:10,575
Wright: They didn't even have
time to react
357
00:20:10,577 --> 00:20:13,578
Before the vessel
capsized and sank.
358
00:20:16,249 --> 00:20:19,650
Six people were killed.
359
00:20:19,652 --> 00:20:22,053
Wade: A key cause of the sinking
was found
360
00:20:22,055 --> 00:20:25,323
To be a buildup of ice
on the boat.
361
00:20:25,325 --> 00:20:27,992
In very cold conditions,
when you have waves
362
00:20:27,994 --> 00:20:29,360
And you have spray,
363
00:20:29,362 --> 00:20:32,096
This spray will turn
into ice droplets
364
00:20:32,098 --> 00:20:34,498
And start to
cover things with ice.
365
00:20:34,500 --> 00:20:36,567
It just builds up layer
after layer,
366
00:20:36,569 --> 00:20:39,570
Wave after wave
comes crashing in,
367
00:20:39,572 --> 00:20:45,009
Until it reaches a point where
it just overtakes the vessel.
368
00:20:45,011 --> 00:20:47,979
Wade: So, could a buildup
of spray ice
369
00:20:47,981 --> 00:20:49,747
Have sunk the windiate?
370
00:20:58,958 --> 00:21:01,592
Wade:
The 19th-century schooner,
371
00:21:01,594 --> 00:21:03,427
The cornelia b. Windiate,
372
00:21:03,429 --> 00:21:06,931
Is found undamaged
on the bottom of lake huron.
373
00:21:06,933 --> 00:21:09,467
Could ice buildup,
the phenomenon
374
00:21:09,469 --> 00:21:13,037
That sank an alaskan
fishing vessel, be to blame?
375
00:21:14,307 --> 00:21:16,841
Wright:
It's the same deadly phenomenon
376
00:21:16,843 --> 00:21:20,478
That they were caught
with sea-spray icing so quickly
377
00:21:20,480 --> 00:21:25,016
And so perilously
that they sank
378
00:21:25,018 --> 00:21:27,351
And didn't even
have time to react.
379
00:21:29,922 --> 00:21:32,189
Wade: The windiate
was a sizeable vessel,
380
00:21:32,191 --> 00:21:36,694
Capable of carrying large
quantities of heavy cargo,
381
00:21:36,696 --> 00:21:39,764
So could ice really
have taken her down?
382
00:21:42,302 --> 00:21:45,670
With the weight of ice
on the top of the vessel,
383
00:21:45,672 --> 00:21:47,771
Rather than at the bottom
of the vessel,
384
00:21:47,773 --> 00:21:50,775
You have these huge issues
with weight distribution.
385
00:21:50,777 --> 00:21:52,343
And when the vessel goes over,
386
00:21:52,345 --> 00:21:56,213
There's no righting moment
from the bottom of the vessel
387
00:21:56,215 --> 00:21:58,249
To stop that ice
from pulling down.
388
00:21:58,251 --> 00:22:01,118
Gravity is actually working
against the vessel.
389
00:22:01,120 --> 00:22:03,754
Wade: And in the fresh waters
of the great lakes,
390
00:22:03,756 --> 00:22:08,993
Another factor would've been
working against the windiate.
391
00:22:08,995 --> 00:22:13,464
Ortiz-vazquez: Fresh water would
freeze quicker than salt water.
392
00:22:13,466 --> 00:22:17,034
There is a possibility of having
that ice buildup
393
00:22:17,036 --> 00:22:20,504
Just from the wind.
394
00:22:20,506 --> 00:22:22,039
Wade: Experts have calculated
395
00:22:22,041 --> 00:22:24,241
That the rate of freshwater
ice buildup
396
00:22:24,243 --> 00:22:26,243
On the day
of the windiate's sinking
397
00:22:26,245 --> 00:22:31,682
Could've reached as much
as 16 tons per hour.
398
00:22:31,684 --> 00:22:34,251
Polakowski: The only kind of
defenses that crews have
399
00:22:34,253 --> 00:22:37,254
Is going out and actually
breaking it off by hand
400
00:22:37,256 --> 00:22:40,558
Using hammers, wedges,
401
00:22:40,560 --> 00:22:43,160
Anything they have
to kind of beat back the ice
402
00:22:43,162 --> 00:22:46,397
And outrun mother nature itself.
403
00:22:47,400 --> 00:22:51,235
Wade: And spray ice on the decks
may account for another element
404
00:22:51,237 --> 00:22:54,372
In the windiate mystery...
405
00:22:54,374 --> 00:22:57,441
The missing crew.
406
00:22:57,443 --> 00:22:59,009
You're on a moving ship.
407
00:22:59,011 --> 00:23:02,213
The crew would've been
sliding across it.
408
00:23:02,215 --> 00:23:06,317
Clarke: Meaning that they were
actually washed off the ship.
409
00:23:06,319 --> 00:23:09,253
The spray, which was adding ice
to the ship,
410
00:23:09,255 --> 00:23:11,055
Actually got rid of them.
411
00:23:13,292 --> 00:23:16,093
Wade: Whether or not the ice
sent the crew sliding
412
00:23:16,095 --> 00:23:17,428
To their deaths,
413
00:23:17,430 --> 00:23:21,098
It may have played
an even more surprising role.
414
00:23:21,100 --> 00:23:24,135
It could be responsible for
the remarkable preservation
415
00:23:24,137 --> 00:23:27,004
Of the windiate wreck.
416
00:23:27,006 --> 00:23:28,172
Clarke: So when it's covered
with the ice,
417
00:23:28,174 --> 00:23:30,141
That adds enough weight
to sink it,
418
00:23:30,143 --> 00:23:32,743
But the ice, of course,
is also slightly buoyant,
419
00:23:32,745 --> 00:23:34,612
So that is why she ends up
420
00:23:34,614 --> 00:23:38,149
Having a nice, smooth glide
to the bottom of the seabed.
421
00:23:38,151 --> 00:23:41,118
In fact, she might've even sat
there suspended in the water
422
00:23:41,120 --> 00:23:43,287
For a bit.
423
00:23:43,289 --> 00:23:45,022
Ortiz-vazquez: The ice just
melts away and, boom,
424
00:23:45,024 --> 00:23:48,559
You have your perfect ship
at the bottom of a lake bed.
425
00:23:48,561 --> 00:23:52,329
Wade: And this is how she was
found over 100 years later.
426
00:23:53,533 --> 00:23:56,333
But there's no way of knowing
for sure that ice
427
00:23:56,335 --> 00:23:59,103
Was what sank the ship.
428
00:23:59,105 --> 00:24:01,405
The trouble is, they'll be
nothing for us to discover
429
00:24:01,407 --> 00:24:03,974
That proves the ice
because the ice, of course,
430
00:24:03,976 --> 00:24:05,709
Is mostly made up of the water
431
00:24:05,711 --> 00:24:09,213
Which has existed
around the windiate now
432
00:24:09,215 --> 00:24:13,484
For hundreds of years,
so it's a theory.
433
00:24:15,822 --> 00:24:19,223
Further examination
of the windiate may, in time,
434
00:24:19,225 --> 00:24:21,192
Offer up other answers.
435
00:24:21,194 --> 00:24:25,229
For now, we're left with just
the scene of the crime.
436
00:24:25,231 --> 00:24:28,499
The prime suspect
has melted away.
437
00:24:28,501 --> 00:24:34,672
♪
438
00:24:34,674 --> 00:24:41,245
The history of naval warfare is
a record of winners and losers,
439
00:24:41,247 --> 00:24:45,983
But do historians ever record
the wrong result?
440
00:24:45,985 --> 00:24:49,119
A recent underwater discovery
in the mediterranean sea
441
00:24:49,121 --> 00:24:52,089
Suggests just that.
442
00:24:52,091 --> 00:24:56,627
Could it lead to a radical
reinterpretation of the history
443
00:24:56,629 --> 00:24:58,395
Of the ancient world?
444
00:24:58,397 --> 00:25:05,135
♪
445
00:25:05,137 --> 00:25:09,607
In 2002, a fisherman trawling
off the western coast of sicily
446
00:25:09,609 --> 00:25:11,876
In the mediterranean sea
447
00:25:11,878 --> 00:25:14,979
Is astonished to pull up
not a fish,
448
00:25:14,981 --> 00:25:18,315
But an artifact
from another world.
449
00:25:18,317 --> 00:25:22,319
A massive, solid cast piece
of bronze.
450
00:25:22,321 --> 00:25:24,421
Wade:
Stunned marine archaeologists
451
00:25:24,423 --> 00:25:26,423
Recognize the mystery item
452
00:25:26,425 --> 00:25:28,959
As something that's never
been found
453
00:25:28,961 --> 00:25:30,494
In the ocean before --
454
00:25:30,496 --> 00:25:33,531
A battering ram
from an ancient warship
455
00:25:33,533 --> 00:25:36,233
More than 2,000 years old.
456
00:25:36,235 --> 00:25:38,936
The bronze battering ram
at the front of these ships
457
00:25:38,938 --> 00:25:42,106
Was the height of technology
of its period.
458
00:25:42,108 --> 00:25:45,476
It was the tomahawk
crew's missile,
459
00:25:45,478 --> 00:25:48,312
The trident ballistic missile
of its period.
460
00:25:48,314 --> 00:25:50,114
We're talking something
which could weigh,
461
00:25:50,116 --> 00:25:52,683
In itself, up to a ton.
462
00:25:52,685 --> 00:25:54,885
Wade: Ancient battering rams
were designed
463
00:25:54,887 --> 00:25:59,757
To inflict the maximum amount
of damage to enemy vessels.
464
00:25:59,759 --> 00:26:04,995
These rams are built with kind
of three fins that angle out.
465
00:26:04,997 --> 00:26:08,465
These fins are meant to spring
the planks of the enemy ship
466
00:26:08,467 --> 00:26:10,301
And tear them at the seams,
467
00:26:10,303 --> 00:26:12,770
So that the rest of the ship
kind of becomes undone,
468
00:26:12,772 --> 00:26:15,205
Almost like a zipper.
469
00:26:15,207 --> 00:26:18,475
It's the tip of a spear
magnified a million times,
470
00:26:18,477 --> 00:26:20,277
And, you know,
you have all that weight,
471
00:26:20,279 --> 00:26:22,313
All that speed,
all that pressure.
472
00:26:22,315 --> 00:26:25,449
Pretty irresistible force.
473
00:26:25,451 --> 00:26:28,986
It's like nothing else that has
been found in antiquity.
474
00:26:28,988 --> 00:26:31,021
Wade: The dramatic discovery
475
00:26:31,023 --> 00:26:33,924
Prompts a major
archaeological survey.
476
00:26:33,926 --> 00:26:36,460
What they discover
is extraordinary,
477
00:26:36,462 --> 00:26:40,598
A site spread over an area
the size of manhattan,
478
00:26:40,600 --> 00:26:42,032
And within it, the remnants
479
00:26:42,034 --> 00:26:46,537
Of one of the most important
naval battles of antiquity,
480
00:26:46,539 --> 00:26:51,742
The battle of the aegates,
also known as egadi.
481
00:26:51,744 --> 00:26:53,911
The battle of egadi
was between the romans
482
00:26:53,913 --> 00:26:55,446
And the carthaginians.
483
00:26:55,448 --> 00:26:56,847
Elliott:
The romans, at the time,
484
00:26:56,849 --> 00:27:00,417
Are expanding their sphere
of influence throughout Italy.
485
00:27:00,419 --> 00:27:03,120
They've found that they were
confronting the major
486
00:27:03,122 --> 00:27:06,824
Local power,
the carthaginians.
487
00:27:06,826 --> 00:27:08,158
Goodman:
This battle is considered
488
00:27:08,160 --> 00:27:10,828
A really critical moment
in military naval history
489
00:27:10,830 --> 00:27:16,567
Because the romans weren't
really known for winning at sea.
490
00:27:16,569 --> 00:27:19,737
Wade: But according to all
written records from the period,
491
00:27:19,739 --> 00:27:22,439
The romans were victorious.
492
00:27:22,441 --> 00:27:25,509
The battle of egadi basically
put the roman republic
493
00:27:25,511 --> 00:27:26,677
On the map.
494
00:27:26,679 --> 00:27:27,978
Polakowski:
This is a big pivotal moment,
495
00:27:27,980 --> 00:27:32,116
Where rome finally goes
from a regional power
496
00:27:32,118 --> 00:27:36,820
To kind of a mediterranean
maritime power.
497
00:27:36,822 --> 00:27:39,323
Wade: The traditional
interpretation of the result
498
00:27:39,325 --> 00:27:41,525
And importance
of the battle of egadi
499
00:27:41,527 --> 00:27:45,329
Has been accepted
for over 2,000 years.
500
00:27:45,331 --> 00:27:47,598
But when they study
the battle site,
501
00:27:47,600 --> 00:27:49,900
Marine archaeologists
find evidence
502
00:27:49,902 --> 00:27:52,870
That suggest
a very different story.
503
00:27:54,874 --> 00:27:56,273
The battering ram,
504
00:27:56,275 --> 00:27:59,810
The exceptional item first
recovered from the egadi site,
505
00:27:59,812 --> 00:28:02,379
Turns out not to be
the only one.
506
00:28:02,381 --> 00:28:04,615
Goodman: This is a really unique
site in the sense
507
00:28:04,617 --> 00:28:08,652
That multiple battling rams
have been found.
508
00:28:08,654 --> 00:28:11,455
Wade: Until now,
only three of these rams
509
00:28:11,457 --> 00:28:14,591
Were known to be in existence
anywhere in the world,
510
00:28:14,593 --> 00:28:18,095
And none were found
where they fell.
511
00:28:18,097 --> 00:28:21,665
But as marine archaeologists
comb the egadi site,
512
00:28:21,667 --> 00:28:23,400
They are amazed to discover
513
00:28:23,402 --> 00:28:27,805
More than 20
of these ancient weapons.
514
00:28:27,807 --> 00:28:30,641
Battering rams would've
been used by both sides
515
00:28:30,643 --> 00:28:32,176
In the battle of egadi
516
00:28:32,178 --> 00:28:36,413
But with different features
and designs.
517
00:28:36,415 --> 00:28:41,251
The unique type of alloy
and the quality of these rams,
518
00:28:41,253 --> 00:28:43,520
You can pinpoint
which ones are roman.
519
00:28:45,658 --> 00:28:48,292
Wade: The number of rams found
on the seafloor
520
00:28:48,294 --> 00:28:50,627
Gives an indication
of the number of ships
521
00:28:50,629 --> 00:28:53,297
That were sunk in the battle,
522
00:28:53,299 --> 00:28:56,567
But remarkably,
when archaeologists do the math,
523
00:28:56,569 --> 00:29:00,804
They can confirm that only one
of the rams comes from carthage,
524
00:29:00,806 --> 00:29:04,908
But a staggering 15 are roman.
525
00:29:04,910 --> 00:29:09,279
How are these roman rams
are the bottom of the sea?
526
00:29:09,281 --> 00:29:11,849
Wade: Instead of being,
as history tells us,
527
00:29:11,851 --> 00:29:15,152
The naval victory
that founded an empire,
528
00:29:15,154 --> 00:29:19,156
Did the romans in fact
lose the battle of egadi?
529
00:29:19,158 --> 00:29:24,828
♪
530
00:29:30,269 --> 00:29:34,004
History has recorded a great
victory for the romans
531
00:29:34,006 --> 00:29:37,574
At the naval battle of egadi,
532
00:29:37,576 --> 00:29:40,644
But recent finds
in the seas of sicily
533
00:29:40,646 --> 00:29:43,680
Suggest something
very different.
534
00:29:46,085 --> 00:29:47,651
Goodman:
When we find something
535
00:29:47,653 --> 00:29:49,319
That doesn't fit
our expectations,
536
00:29:49,321 --> 00:29:51,588
Maybe some of our theories
are incorrect,
537
00:29:51,590 --> 00:29:56,660
Maybe we need to reconsider
how we understand that time
538
00:29:56,662 --> 00:29:59,329
Or that battle.
539
00:29:59,331 --> 00:30:04,701
Wade: In this period, despite
being a great force on land,
540
00:30:04,703 --> 00:30:08,071
The romans scored
few victories at sea.
541
00:30:08,073 --> 00:30:10,774
Goodman: This is something that
the romans were not considered
542
00:30:10,776 --> 00:30:13,510
To be the experts at this,
and so during this battle,
543
00:30:13,512 --> 00:30:16,880
The advantage was not
on the roman side.
544
00:30:16,882 --> 00:30:19,917
Wade: The carthaginians had
an unrivaled reputation
545
00:30:19,919 --> 00:30:24,321
As master mariners
and naval tacticians.
546
00:30:24,323 --> 00:30:25,823
And in the battle of egadi,
547
00:30:25,825 --> 00:30:28,458
The roman force was less
than half the size
548
00:30:28,460 --> 00:30:32,629
Of the carthaginian fleet
of up to 700 ships.
549
00:30:32,631 --> 00:30:36,200
The underdog in this fight
is the romans.
550
00:30:36,202 --> 00:30:38,168
They have been the losers
at just about every battle
551
00:30:38,170 --> 00:30:40,637
With the carthaginians
up to this point.
552
00:30:40,639 --> 00:30:44,007
Wade: So did the romans in fact
lose as suggested
553
00:30:44,009 --> 00:30:48,111
By the number of rams
discovered on the seafloor?
554
00:30:48,113 --> 00:30:50,547
Or could there be another reason
why the remains
555
00:30:50,549 --> 00:30:54,718
Of so many roman ships
were found at the egadi site?
556
00:30:56,555 --> 00:30:59,656
Elliott: Building a warship
is very expensive.
557
00:30:59,658 --> 00:31:02,793
Therefore you go to
every measure to make it
558
00:31:02,795 --> 00:31:05,329
As cost effective as possible,
559
00:31:05,331 --> 00:31:08,098
And the easiest way to do that
is to use a captured ship.
560
00:31:08,100 --> 00:31:09,433
Polakowski:
A lot of the roman ships
561
00:31:09,435 --> 00:31:11,902
That we're finding here
at this battle
562
00:31:11,904 --> 00:31:14,972
Are actually reused ships that
were captured
563
00:31:14,974 --> 00:31:18,141
About nine years previous
at another naval battle,
564
00:31:18,143 --> 00:31:21,011
Where the carthaginian side
was actually victorious.
565
00:31:21,013 --> 00:31:22,179
Wade: Capturing ships
566
00:31:22,181 --> 00:31:24,481
And putting them
to work in your own fleet
567
00:31:24,483 --> 00:31:26,884
Is a tactic that's been employed
by navies
568
00:31:26,886 --> 00:31:28,886
Throughout the centuries.
569
00:31:28,888 --> 00:31:32,456
The british navy, for example,
captured many french ships
570
00:31:32,458 --> 00:31:35,325
And used them afterwards
as part of their own fleet.
571
00:31:35,327 --> 00:31:36,627
Wade:
The theory that carthage
572
00:31:36,629 --> 00:31:39,529
Was using
captured roman vessels at egadi
573
00:31:39,531 --> 00:31:43,667
Would explain why so many
roman rams have been found,
574
00:31:43,669 --> 00:31:45,802
And it tallies with
the historical account
575
00:31:45,804 --> 00:31:47,771
Of a roman victory,
576
00:31:47,773 --> 00:31:51,508
But with much of the egadi site
still to be excavated,
577
00:31:51,510 --> 00:31:55,746
A definitive answer
could be years away.
578
00:31:55,748 --> 00:31:58,448
Every year that we go back,
every time that we actually
579
00:31:58,450 --> 00:32:01,118
Do surveys there
and find new things,
580
00:32:01,120 --> 00:32:04,655
The questions just get
exponentially bigger.
581
00:32:04,657 --> 00:32:08,625
With new technology, we're
uncovering more and more wrecks
582
00:32:08,627 --> 00:32:11,295
From further
and further back in time.
583
00:32:11,297 --> 00:32:15,699
I wonder what rereadings of
history remain to be discovered?
584
00:32:15,701 --> 00:32:24,942
♪
585
00:32:24,944 --> 00:32:28,378
The dark, frigid,
lifeless ocean depths
586
00:32:28,380 --> 00:32:30,714
Have often been considered
a good place
587
00:32:30,716 --> 00:32:33,650
To hide our unwanted secrets,
588
00:32:33,652 --> 00:32:37,921
But a danger hidden
is rarely a danger resolved.
589
00:32:37,923 --> 00:32:41,391
Such is the case with
the 75-year-old mystery
590
00:32:41,393 --> 00:32:44,361
Of the toxic nazi submarine.
591
00:32:46,565 --> 00:32:49,466
February 1945,
592
00:32:49,468 --> 00:32:53,203
The closing months
of world war ii.
593
00:32:53,205 --> 00:32:56,406
With defeat in europe looming,
hitler orders
594
00:32:56,408 --> 00:32:59,943
One of nazi germany's fleet
of long-range u-boats
595
00:32:59,945 --> 00:33:05,315
To carry out a top-secret
underwater mission.
596
00:33:05,317 --> 00:33:07,417
Elliott: This is the end
of the second world war,
597
00:33:07,419 --> 00:33:09,619
But the germans are beginning
to transport
598
00:33:09,621 --> 00:33:12,656
Some of their secrets
from the third reich.
599
00:33:12,658 --> 00:33:15,158
The hope being that some
of its leading-edge,
600
00:33:15,160 --> 00:33:16,760
Cutting-edge key nazi secrets
601
00:33:16,762 --> 00:33:21,264
Can find a way to be used
from a new home in japan.
602
00:33:21,266 --> 00:33:23,834
Wade: The nazi goal is to help
the japanese
603
00:33:23,836 --> 00:33:28,071
Change the course of the war
in the pacific.
604
00:33:28,073 --> 00:33:30,240
Tuttle:
If the sub got to japan,
605
00:33:30,242 --> 00:33:32,109
It would have given
japan technology
606
00:33:32,111 --> 00:33:35,312
That may have helped them
resist the americans.
607
00:33:35,314 --> 00:33:38,582
Wade: The operation requires
the utmost secrecy.
608
00:33:38,584 --> 00:33:43,954
If you have something that you
really want to keep well hidden,
609
00:33:43,956 --> 00:33:47,924
A submarine was an ideal
form of transportation.
610
00:33:49,962 --> 00:33:51,661
Wade:
What the germans don't know
611
00:33:51,663 --> 00:33:55,399
Is that british codebreakers
at their bletchley park hq
612
00:33:55,401 --> 00:33:58,835
Have cracked
the nazi's enigma code.
613
00:33:58,837 --> 00:34:02,873
Hitler's top-secret mission
is no longer a secret.
614
00:34:04,576 --> 00:34:06,143
From the allies' point of view,
615
00:34:06,145 --> 00:34:08,245
They didn't know exactly
what was on the submarine,
616
00:34:08,247 --> 00:34:11,681
But it was absolutely critical
they find it and destroy it.
617
00:34:11,683 --> 00:34:13,850
Rondeau: They intercepted
these communications,
618
00:34:13,852 --> 00:34:19,890
Which indicated to them that
this had potential implications
619
00:34:19,892 --> 00:34:21,825
For the outcome of the war.
620
00:34:21,827 --> 00:34:25,062
Wade: And the british have
another key advantage.
621
00:34:25,064 --> 00:34:28,365
One of the german
submarines' engines is faulty,
622
00:34:28,367 --> 00:34:31,835
And it's emitting a noise
that can be tracked.
623
00:34:31,837 --> 00:34:37,774
And there's this cat-and-mouse
chase up the norwegian coast.
624
00:34:37,776 --> 00:34:40,911
Wade:
Like hunting down wounded prey,
625
00:34:40,913 --> 00:34:44,514
British submarine, hms venturer,
stalks u-864
626
00:34:44,516 --> 00:34:48,685
Through the freezing,
murky depths of the north sea.
627
00:34:48,687 --> 00:34:51,788
Venturer is finally at a point
where it has no choice.
628
00:34:51,790 --> 00:34:54,491
It's afraid that it's going
to lose the 864.
629
00:34:56,061 --> 00:34:59,996
Wade: So the british sub quickly
launches four torpedoes.
630
00:35:01,567 --> 00:35:04,901
It's easy to sink a ship
on the surface.
631
00:35:04,903 --> 00:35:10,540
For a submarine to sink
another submarine is unheard of.
632
00:35:10,542 --> 00:35:14,411
Wade:
The first three torpedoes miss,
633
00:35:14,413 --> 00:35:18,014
But the fourth finds its target.
634
00:35:21,687 --> 00:35:25,021
A massive explosion rips
through the midsection
635
00:35:25,023 --> 00:35:28,425
Of the german u-boat.
636
00:35:28,427 --> 00:35:32,529
This is the only time in history
a submarine submerged,
637
00:35:32,531 --> 00:35:35,398
Using a torpedo,
has sunk another submarine.
638
00:35:35,400 --> 00:35:37,601
Tuttle: The captain of the ship
would say probably "skill,"
639
00:35:37,603 --> 00:35:39,503
About 90% of the rest
of the world would say,
640
00:35:39,505 --> 00:35:42,973
"heck, that's a lot of luck."
641
00:35:42,975 --> 00:35:46,643
Wade:
U-864 sinks in 500 feet of water
642
00:35:46,645 --> 00:35:50,013
With all 73 crew on board.
643
00:35:50,015 --> 00:35:53,450
For the british navy,
it's job done,
644
00:35:53,452 --> 00:35:54,718
But the norwegians,
645
00:35:54,720 --> 00:35:58,155
In whose waters the wreck
of the german sub lies,
646
00:35:58,157 --> 00:35:59,856
It's a different story.
647
00:35:59,858 --> 00:36:02,826
Because of the materials
that were known to be aboard,
648
00:36:02,828 --> 00:36:04,694
It was
secret military materials,
649
00:36:04,696 --> 00:36:06,730
It was always a priority
to try and find her.
650
00:36:09,134 --> 00:36:12,669
Wade: She's finally found
after 70 years,
651
00:36:12,671 --> 00:36:16,273
But there's a problem.
652
00:36:16,275 --> 00:36:21,344
There are over 1,800 canisters
full of liquid mercury.
653
00:36:23,048 --> 00:36:26,249
Wade: The nazi sub is toxic.
654
00:36:35,928 --> 00:36:38,828
When german u-boat 864 sinks
655
00:36:38,830 --> 00:36:41,431
In the closing stages
of world war ii,
656
00:36:41,433 --> 00:36:43,934
She remains hidden
in the darkest depths
657
00:36:43,936 --> 00:36:47,971
Of norway's north sea
for over 70 years.
658
00:36:50,375 --> 00:36:56,346
It's not until 2003 that
the wreck is discovered.
659
00:36:56,348 --> 00:36:58,248
Elliott:
A norwegian navy minesweeper
660
00:36:58,250 --> 00:37:00,050
Using unmanned
underwater vehicles
661
00:37:00,052 --> 00:37:02,018
Discover the submarine
on the seabed,
662
00:37:02,020 --> 00:37:04,854
And it found the submarine
was in two major portions
663
00:37:04,856 --> 00:37:07,157
With a spread
of debris around it.
664
00:37:07,159 --> 00:37:09,359
Wade:
Is the sunken nazi u-boat
665
00:37:09,361 --> 00:37:13,129
Finally ready to give up
her wartime secrets?
666
00:37:13,131 --> 00:37:16,833
The difficulties of doing
recoveries on a military site,
667
00:37:16,835 --> 00:37:18,068
The obvious one is,
668
00:37:18,070 --> 00:37:21,037
Well, this is
a german submarine at war.
669
00:37:21,039 --> 00:37:24,007
How many torpedoes
are still left in the vessel?
670
00:37:24,009 --> 00:37:26,409
Wade:
U-864 is thought to contain
671
00:37:26,411 --> 00:37:30,847
Over 20
high-explosive torpedoes,
672
00:37:30,849 --> 00:37:32,916
But there's something
even more dangerous
673
00:37:32,918 --> 00:37:35,619
Waiting on the underwater wreck.
674
00:37:35,621 --> 00:37:40,890
By 2003, norway is in possession
of the original 1945 manifest
675
00:37:40,892 --> 00:37:43,593
For the nazi sub's final voyage,
676
00:37:43,595 --> 00:37:48,431
And it reveals a particularly
sinister cargo --
677
00:37:48,433 --> 00:37:50,667
Mercury...
678
00:37:50,669 --> 00:37:54,004
1,857 canisters,
679
00:37:54,006 --> 00:37:59,542
Which equates to over 65 tons,
enough poisonous liquid metal
680
00:37:59,544 --> 00:38:02,479
To cause
an environmental catastrophe,
681
00:38:02,481 --> 00:38:07,417
And once in the food chain,
a serious danger to human life.
682
00:38:07,419 --> 00:38:09,052
Mercury is a neurotoxin.
683
00:38:09,054 --> 00:38:12,155
It's bad for the brain,
for your neural system.
684
00:38:12,157 --> 00:38:15,025
It can cause dizziness,
685
00:38:15,027 --> 00:38:17,260
Loss of function
in your muscles,
686
00:38:17,262 --> 00:38:20,997
You can't walk, you can't talk,
slurs your speech.
687
00:38:22,567 --> 00:38:24,668
Wade: Before they can
even think about
688
00:38:24,670 --> 00:38:26,236
Recovering this lethal liquid,
689
00:38:26,238 --> 00:38:30,540
Scientists face a more
immediate challenge.
690
00:38:30,542 --> 00:38:33,677
A major problem with the project
691
00:38:33,679 --> 00:38:38,214
Is that the submarine is lying
on the bottom of a shelf,
692
00:38:38,216 --> 00:38:42,218
So it's sloping off
into the deep atlantic.
693
00:38:42,220 --> 00:38:44,754
Part of the submarine
could actually slide
694
00:38:44,756 --> 00:38:46,656
To a deeper depth.
695
00:38:46,658 --> 00:38:48,024
Wade: If the u-boat slips,
696
00:38:48,026 --> 00:38:51,328
It could release all the toxic
mercury into the sea,
697
00:38:51,330 --> 00:38:54,664
Potentially poisoning
an entire ecosystem.
698
00:38:54,666 --> 00:38:56,132
And it's not stable.
699
00:38:56,134 --> 00:38:58,835
At any time,
it can kind of fall apart.
700
00:38:58,837 --> 00:39:01,404
Something has to be done.
701
00:39:01,406 --> 00:39:03,106
Elliott:
So the key thing to start with
702
00:39:03,108 --> 00:39:05,742
Is to actually stabilize
the submarine.
703
00:39:05,744 --> 00:39:10,080
So a platform, a shelf, is being
built underneath the submarine.
704
00:39:10,082 --> 00:39:12,115
Wade: The operation is
further complicated
705
00:39:12,117 --> 00:39:15,251
By the depth of the wreck.
706
00:39:15,253 --> 00:39:20,390
At over 500 feet down,
it's too deep to send divers,
707
00:39:20,392 --> 00:39:22,258
So a brand-new remote system
708
00:39:22,260 --> 00:39:26,396
Is designed to stabilize
the sub using gravel ballast.
709
00:39:27,899 --> 00:39:31,434
It's not like you can just take
a big shipload of gravel
710
00:39:31,436 --> 00:39:34,304
And just dump it off
the side of the ship.
711
00:39:34,306 --> 00:39:39,576
It has to strategically
be placed using technology.
712
00:39:39,578 --> 00:39:43,847
An r.O.V. Basically is almost
sort of like a garden hose
713
00:39:43,849 --> 00:39:46,549
In that
it's spraying small gravel,
714
00:39:46,551 --> 00:39:50,453
Or very coarse sand,
to stabilize the wreck.
715
00:39:50,455 --> 00:39:54,791
Wade: The stabilization of u-864
is successful,
716
00:39:54,793 --> 00:39:57,060
But despite this,
there are indications
717
00:39:57,062 --> 00:40:00,363
That the mercury
may be spreading.
718
00:40:00,365 --> 00:40:03,333
We are detecting leaks
of this mercury right now.
719
00:40:03,335 --> 00:40:04,601
How much has already leaked out?
720
00:40:04,603 --> 00:40:06,903
How much is safely contained?
721
00:40:06,905 --> 00:40:08,471
The recovery process itself
722
00:40:08,473 --> 00:40:10,774
Might actually spread
the mercury around.
723
00:40:10,776 --> 00:40:13,309
You might disrupt the canisters.
You might break them.
724
00:40:13,311 --> 00:40:16,780
So it's a catch-22,
if you do, you could be damned,
725
00:40:16,782 --> 00:40:18,782
If you don't,
you could be damned.
726
00:40:18,784 --> 00:40:21,751
Wade: But the salvage team think
something even more deadly
727
00:40:21,753 --> 00:40:23,753
May be on board.
728
00:40:23,755 --> 00:40:27,791
So the speculation at the time
was is that the u-864
729
00:40:27,793 --> 00:40:30,527
Could have been carrying
enriched uranium.
730
00:40:30,529 --> 00:40:31,761
Wade: Enriched uranium
731
00:40:31,763 --> 00:40:36,065
Is the vital element
in nuclear bombs.
732
00:40:36,067 --> 00:40:41,538
Thankfully, testing around u-864
does not show traces of uranium,
733
00:40:41,540 --> 00:40:43,773
But it's another threat
that must be considered
734
00:40:43,775 --> 00:40:47,110
By the salvage team.
735
00:40:47,112 --> 00:40:49,245
With the toxic danger
of the wreck
736
00:40:49,247 --> 00:40:50,613
Thought to be too great
737
00:40:50,615 --> 00:40:53,116
To attempt to raise it
to the surface,
738
00:40:53,118 --> 00:40:55,752
Other options
are being considered.
739
00:40:55,754 --> 00:40:58,087
Another way that norwegians
are looking at
740
00:40:58,089 --> 00:41:01,591
Is to cover it
in a sarcophagus.
741
00:41:01,593 --> 00:41:05,428
I want to say a post-chernobyl
approach.
742
00:41:05,430 --> 00:41:09,399
Encapsulate it in, you know,
a giant concrete cap.
743
00:41:09,401 --> 00:41:10,934
Wade: One plan proposes
744
00:41:10,936 --> 00:41:14,437
That the toxic submarine
be given an underwater burial
745
00:41:14,439 --> 00:41:17,607
Beneath 40 feet
of concrete and gravel,
746
00:41:17,609 --> 00:41:18,942
But locals are concerned
747
00:41:18,944 --> 00:41:22,512
That the mercury
will still pose a threat.
748
00:41:22,514 --> 00:41:25,215
So the solution
to a toxic problem
749
00:41:25,217 --> 00:41:28,351
Created by allied action
at the end of world war ii
750
00:41:28,353 --> 00:41:30,987
Remains elusive.
751
00:41:30,989 --> 00:41:33,389
The mystery for us here
is we still don't know
752
00:41:33,391 --> 00:41:36,292
Exactly what we're dealing with
within the submarine,
753
00:41:36,294 --> 00:41:38,828
And once we do know,
what to do with it.
754
00:41:40,932 --> 00:41:42,665
There have been rumors
over the years
755
00:41:42,667 --> 00:41:45,168
That in addition
to its toxic cargo,
756
00:41:45,170 --> 00:41:49,539
U-864 may have been carrying
nazi gold,
757
00:41:49,541 --> 00:41:53,910
Or even the last will
and testament of adolf hitler.
758
00:41:53,912 --> 00:41:57,847
But until we find a way
of accessing the wreck safely,
759
00:41:57,849 --> 00:42:01,618
All of this will remain
a tantalizing mystery.
68106
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