Documentaries and Real Explorers: Calypso, Kon-Tiki, Endurance and the Rainbow Warrior
Commandant Cousteau's Calypso, Heyerdahl's Kon-Tiki, Shackleton's Endurance, the Greenpeace and Sea Shepherd fleets, the crab boats of Deadliest Catch and the great solo sailors. Real ships, real crews, filmed as it happened.
This chapter of Ships on Screen holds 128 ships and boats. For each one you will find the film or the book, the year, who was in it, what the ship does in the story, and the scene we would bring to life. See all 1,404 ships on one page.
Marea can build every one of these ships as a scale model, with the maximum detail the scale permits, finished to be inspected. But we don’t stop at the ship. We bring the scene with it: a few hand painted figurines on deck, caught in the one moment you remember. It isn’t a diorama. It’s the ship, with its story on board.
This database was put together by Ai Refloat™, Marea’s own artificial intelligence. Ai Refloat is still young & like any teenager, it can be a little volatile and unpredictable at times, but above all, it is learning fast. So this list may well contain mistakes and we welcome the input of everyone who knows these films, books and ships better than we do: listening, correcting and learning is one of the many ways we work towards perfection in this craft.
Have you spotted a mistake? Tell us which film, series, book, cartoon or boat, and we will amend it accordingly. Tell us here
The ships
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Activism
Rainbow Warrior Real ship
The Rainbow Warrior Conspiracy (1988)
Created by Chris Thomson
Starring Jack Thompson, Brad Davis, Germain Houde
An Australian and New Zealand miniseries in two parts, dramatising the 1985 French intelligence bombing of the Greenpeace flagship. The ship's sinking and the investigation drive the story. It aired on the Seven Network in October 1988.
The Marea scene Divers placing limpet mines on the hull at night.
On set The real Rainbow Warrior wreck lies in Matauri Bay, New Zealand.
Photo: Koen Suyk / Anefo, CC0
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Activism
Rainbow Warrior Real ship
The Rainbow Warrior (1993)
Directed by Michael Tuchner
Starring Jon Voight, Sam Neill, Lucy Lawless, Kerry Fox
This American TV drama dramatises the New Zealand police investigation into the bombing of the Greenpeace ship in Auckland on 10 July 1985. The ship was sunk by French DGSE agents and photographer Fernando Pereira was killed. The film follows the hunt for those responsible.
The Marea scene The Rainbow Warrior settling at her berth in Auckland harbour after the explosions.
On set The real ship was refloated, then scuttled in 1987 in Matauri Bay as a dive site; filmed in Auckland.
Photo: Koen Suyk / Anefo, CC0
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Activism
Farley Mowat and Robert Hunter Real ship
At the Edge of the World (2008)
Directed by Dan Stone
Presented by Paul Watson, Alex Cornelissen
The film follows Sea Shepherd's Operation Leviathan in the Antarctic in 2007, with Paul Watson commanding the Farley Mowat and Alex Cornelissen the Robert Hunter (later renamed Steve Irwin). They search for and harass the Japanese whaling fleet. It won Best Environmental Film at the Vancouver International Film Festival.
The Marea scene The two small ships in a Southern Ocean gale searching the horizon for the factory ship.
On set The original Farley Mowat (not the 2015 ship of the same name) and the Robert Hunter, later MY Steve Irwin.
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Activism
Steve Irwin Real ship
Whale Wars (2008)
Produced by Animal Planet
Starring Paul Watson, Peter Hammarstedt, Jason Hildebrandt (narrator)
The Steve Irwin is the flagship of Sea Shepherd's anti-whaling campaigns in the Southern Ocean across the series. The crew chase and obstruct the Japanese whaling fleet. The show ran on Animal Planet from 2008 to 2015.
The Marea scene The black hulled Steve Irwin pushing through Antarctic ice floes in pursuit of a whaling ship.
On set The real ship, retired by Sea Shepherd in 2018, saved from scrapping and now run by Ship4Good in Australia.
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Activism
Bob Barker Real ship
Whale Wars (2010)
Produced by Animal Planet
Starring Paul Watson, Peter Hammarstedt
Bought in 2009 with a donation from TV host Bob Barker, this former whaler joined the Sea Shepherd fleet in the Southern Ocean. It found the Japanese fleet and took part in confrontations shown in the series. In 2013 it was rammed by the Nisshin Maru.
The Marea scene Bob Barker squeezed between the whaling factory ship and a supply tanker in heavy seas.
On set The real ship, retired in November 2022 and sent to Turkey for recycling.
Photo: Anne Holmes, CC BY-SA 2.0
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Activism
Ady Gil (ex Earthrace) Real ship
Whale Wars (2010)
Produced by Animal Planet
Starring Pete Bethune, Paul Watson
The fast black trimaran joined Sea Shepherd for the 2009 to 2010 campaign. On 6 January 2010 it collided with the Japanese security ship Shōnan Maru 2, which sheared off its bow, and it was later lost. Captain Pete Bethune then boarded the Japanese ship and was detained.
The Marea scene The Shōnan Maru 2 bearing down on the black Ady Gil moments before the collision.
On set The real boat sank after the collision; an arbitrator later found it had been scuttled.
Photo: David, Public domain
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Activism
Arctic Sunrise Real ship
Black Ice: The Story of the Greenpeace Arctic 30 (2014)
Directed by Maarten van Rouveroy van Nieuwaal
Presented by The Arctic 30 (Greenpeace activists)
In 2013 Arctic Sunrise sailed to protest Gazprom's Prirazlomnaya oil platform in the Pechora Sea. Russian forces seized the ship and towed it to Murmansk, and the 30 people on board were charged with piracy. The film tells the story of the crew and their detention.
The Marea scene Activists in inflatables at the foot of the oil platform as coastguard boats close in.
On set The real Arctic Sunrise, returned by Russia in 2014 and still in Greenpeace service.
Photo: Public domain
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Activism
Phyllis Cormack ('Greenpeace') Real ship
How to Change the World (2015)
Directed by Jerry Rothwell
Presented by Robert Hunter (archive), Barry Pepper (voice), Patrick Moore
In 1971 activists chartered the fishing boat Phyllis Cormack, nicknamed Greenpeace, to sail from Vancouver to protest US nuclear tests at Amchitka. The film tells the founding story of Greenpeace through archive footage. The boat was chartered again in 1975 for the first anti-whaling campaign.
The Marea scene The small fishing boat leaving Vancouver with a 'Greenpeace' sail and the crew waving from the deck.
Photo: MetcalfeBill, CC BY-SA 4.0
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Activism
Sea Shepherd patrol vessels (Farley Mowat, Sharpie) Real ship
Sea of Shadows (2019)
Directed by Richard Ladkani
Presented by Andrea Crosta, Sea Shepherd crews, Mexican Navy
The film follows efforts to save the vaquita in the Gulf of California from illegal totoaba fishing controlled by cartels. Sea Shepherd ships patrolling the area and pulling up illegal gillnets appear alongside scientists and undercover investigators.
The Marea scene Crew on a patrol boat's deck hauling an illegal gillnet with a dead fish tangled in it.
On set Sea Shepherd's Operation Milagro used Farley Mowat (ex USCGC Pea Island), Sam Simon, White Holly and Sharpie; Farley Mowat was later scrapped in Mazatlán.
Photo: Resistor, CC BY-SA 4.0
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Cold War
USS Thresher and USS Scorpion Real ship
National Geographic Explorer: Lost Subs: Disaster at Sea (2002)
National Geographic documentary on submarine losses, among them the American nuclear submarines Thresher (1963) and Scorpion (1968).
The Marea scene The black hull of a nuclear submarine slipping out of harbour on a grey morning, crew on the bridge.
On set Archive footage; both wrecks lie in the Atlantic.
Photo: J.L. Snell, Public domain
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Conservation at sea
Thunder Real ship
Chasing the Thunder (2018)
Directed by Mark Benjamin, Marc Levin
Presented by Crews of the Sea Shepherd ships Bob Barker and Sam Simon
Sea Shepherd pursued the poaching trawler Thunder, one of the Bandit 6 fleet, for 110 days and 10,000 miles across the Southern Ocean and Atlantic from December 2014 to April 2015, the longest chase of its kind. Thunder was finally scuttled off São Tomé and Príncipe.
The Marea scene Thunder settles by the stern and sinks as the Sea Shepherd ship stands by and her crew are taken off in rafts.
On set The real FV Thunder, built in Norway in 1969, scuttled in April 2015.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Conservation at sea
Calypso Real ship
Becoming Cousteau (2021)
Directed by Liz Garbus
Presented by Jacques-Yves Cousteau (archive), Vincent Cassel
A National Geographic portrait of Jacques-Yves Cousteau built from his own archive, in which his research ship Calypso is at the heart of his life, films and campaigns.
The Marea scene Cousteau in his red cap stands on Calypso's bow as the ship heads out from Monaco.
On set The real Calypso, a former Royal Navy minesweeper, under long restoration in Turkey.
Photo: René Beauchamp, CC BY-SA 4.0
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Cruise ship disasters
Costa Concordia Real ship
Cruise Ship Disaster: Inside the Concordia (2012)
National Geographic Channel documentary made soon after the January 2012 capsize, reconstructing the grounding on the rocks of Isola del Giglio and the night evacuation.
The Marea scene Lifeboats being lowered from the listing ship beside the harbour of Giglio, with islanders waiting on the quay.
On set Archive footage of the real ship, since scrapped at Genoa.
Photo: Robert Lender, CC BY-SA 2.0
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Cruise ship disasters
Costa Concordia Real ship
Shipwrecked: Nightmare at Sea (2026)
Directed by Chiara Messineo
Presented by Survivors and crew including Rose Metcalf and Manoj Singh; CNN correspondent Barbie Nadeau
Netflix feature documentary on the grounding and capsize of Costa Concordia off Isola del Giglio on 13 January 2012, in which 32 people died. It uses survivor and crew testimony together with the ship's voyage data recordings.
The Marea scene The illuminated cruise ship sailing close past the lights of Giglio harbour on the evening of 13 January 2012.
On set Archive and survivor footage of the real ship; the wreck was parbuckled in 2013, towed to Genoa in 2014 and scrapped.
Photo: Robert Lender, CC BY-SA 2.0
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Educational series
Mimi Real ship
The Voyage of the Mimi (1984)
Created by Bank Street College of Education
Starring Ben Affleck, Peter Marston
A PBS classroom series in which the crew of the Mimi carry out a census of humpback whales off Massachusetts, mixing a drama with short science expeditions. It was Ben Affleck's first screen role.
The Marea scene Young C.T. Granville stands at the Mimi's rail with binoculars as a humpback whale breaches ahead.
On set The real Mimi, built in Brittany in 1934 as a cargo boat, later converted to sail; she was scrapped in July 2011.
Photo: Wikipedia
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Ferry disasters
MS Herald of Free Enterprise Real ship
Seconds from Disaster: Zeebrugge Ferry Disaster (2005)
Episode of the National Geographic series reconstructing how the Townsend Thoresen ferry capsized leaving Zeebrugge on 6 March 1987 with her bow doors open, killing 193 people, and the safety reforms that followed.
The Marea scene The ferry alongside the berth at Zeebrugge on a calm March evening, cars being loaded through the bow.
On set CGI reconstruction and archive footage; the ship was refloated and scrapped in 1988.
Photo: Franz Golhen, Public domain
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Ferry disasters
TEV Wahine Real ship
The Wahine Disaster (2008)
Directed by Sharon Barbour
Presented by Sharon Barbour, tug master John Brown, policeman Jim Mason
New Zealand documentary marking forty years since the inter-island ferry struck Barrett Reef at the entrance to Wellington Harbour during Cyclone Giselle on 10 April 1968. It gathers survivors and rescuers, including the captain of the tug that tried to take her in tow.
The Marea scene The harbour tug Tapuhi standing by the ferry in heavy weather inside Wellington Harbour.
On set Archive footage; the wreck was cut up in the harbour. The Wellington Museum has a Wahine memorial display.
Photo: CC0
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Ferry disasters
MV Doña Paz Real ship
Asia's Titanic (2009)
Directed by Yam Laranas
Presented by Joonee Gamboa (narrator), survivors including Salvador Bacsal
Philippine documentary on the collision of the ferry Doña Paz with the tanker MT Vector in the Tablas Strait on 20 December 1987, the deadliest peacetime shipping disaster, told through survivor testimony and court records.
The Marea scene The crowded inter-island ferry leaving Tacloban on a warm December evening, passengers on every deck.
On set Archive material; the ferry sank in the Tablas Strait.
Photo: lindsaybridge, CC BY-SA 2.0
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Ferry disasters
MV Sewol Real ship
The Truth Shall Not Sink with Sewol (Diving Bell) (2014)
Directed by Lee Sang-ho and Ahn Hae-ryong
Presented by Lee Sang-ho, Lee Jong-in
Documentary about the rescue and recovery operation after the sinking, centred on the controversy over a diving bell brought to the site. Its screening at the 2014 Busan International Film Festival went ahead despite political pressure.
The Marea scene A small diving support barge alongside the marker buoys over the wreck, divers preparing on deck.
On set Footage filmed at the real wreck site off Jindo.
Photo: Wikipedia
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Ferry disasters
MV Sewol Real ship
In the Absence (2018)
Directed by Yi Seung-jun
Oscar nominated short documentary that reconstructs, through radio traffic, helicopter footage and passengers' phone videos, the sinking of the ferry Sewol on 16 April 2014, in which about 300 people died, most of them pupils of Danwon High School. It follows the aftermath through the candlelight vigils to the impeachment of President Park Geun-hye.
The Marea scene The white and blue ferry on a calm morning off Jindo, with fishing boats and rescue craft approaching.
On set Archive footage of the real ship; the wreck was raised in 2017 and is preserved at Mokpo.
Photo: Wikipedia
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Ferry disasters
MV Le Joola Real ship
The Joola: Africa's Titanic
Produced by BBC Africa
BBC Africa documentary on the capsizing of the Senegalese government ferry Le Joola off the Gambian coast on 26 September 2002, in which more than 1,800 people died, and on the families who still seek a memorial and the raising of the wreck.
The Marea scene Le Joola moored at Ziguinchor on the Casamance river before departure, families on the quay.
On set Archive footage; the wreck lies off The Gambia.
Photo: Yaamboo, CC BY-SA 3.0
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Great War
SS Mendi Real ship
Let Us Die Like Brothers (2006)
South African documentary on the Mendi, which sank off the Isle of Wight on 21 February 1917 after a collision in fog, with the loss of 607 men of the South African Native Labour Corps.
The Marea scene Men of the Native Labour Corps gathered on deck in fog, in the moment remembered as the death drill.
On set The wreck lies off St Catherine's Point and is a protected war grave.
Photo: Public domain
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Ocean liners and cruise ships
SS United States Real ship
SS United States: Lady in Waiting (2008)
Directed by Robert Radler
Presented by Walter Cronkite (narrator)
A documentary on the fastest liner ever built, in service from 1952 to 1969, told through former crew and passengers. It also shows artist Robert Wogan's light installations inside the laid up ship.
The Marea scene The grey hull and red, white and blue funnels of the laid up United States glow under lights at her Philadelphia pier.
On set The real SS United States, laid up for decades at Philadelphia and sold to become an artificial reef off Florida.
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Ocean liners and cruise ships
RMS Empress of Ireland Real ship
Journey to Oblivion: The Empress of Ireland Story (2013)
Directed by Alain Vézina
National Film Board of Canada documentary on the liner that sank in the St Lawrence in fourteen minutes after a collision in fog with the collier Storstad on 29 May 1914, with more than 1,000 deaths. It includes underwater footage of the wreck.
The Marea scene The liner leaving Quebec City on a spring evening, passengers at the rail waving to the quay.
On set Wreck off Pointe-au-Père, Quebec; Site historique maritime de la Pointe-au-Père holds relics.
Photo: HefePine23, CC BY-SA 2.0
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Ocean science and exploration
Kon-Tiki Real ship
Kon-Tiki (1950)
Directed by Thor Heyerdahl
Presented by Thor Heyerdahl and crew
Heyerdahl's own footage of the 1947 expedition, which won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. The raft was the crew's home for 101 days.
The Marea scene The crew haul a fish aboard the raft beside the bamboo cabin.
On set The original raft, now in the Kon-Tiki Museum at Bygdøy, Oslo.
Photo: Bahnfrend, CC BY-SA 4.0
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Ocean science and exploration
Calypso Real ship
The Silent World (Le Monde du silence) (1956)
Directed by Jacques-Yves Cousteau and Louis Malle
Presented by Jacques-Yves Cousteau, Louis Malle
Calypso is the floating base for Cousteau's divers as they film the Mediterranean, Red Sea and Indian Ocean in colour. The ship itself is a character, with its underwater observation chamber and crew life on deck. The film won the Palme d'Or at Cannes and the Academy Award for Best Documentary.
The Marea scene Divers in Aqua-Lungs climbing back up Calypso's stern ladder while the crew watch from the rail.
On set The real Calypso, built in Seattle in 1942 and 1943; sunk after a collision in Singapore in 1996, raised, and still awaiting restoration after a 2017 shipyard fire in Turkey.
Photo: René Beauchamp, CC BY-SA 4.0
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Ocean science and exploration
Calypso Real ship
World Without Sun (Le Monde sans soleil) (1964)
Directed by Jacques-Yves Cousteau
Presented by Jacques-Yves Cousteau, Philippe Cousteau
The film records the Conshelf Two undersea habitat experiment in the Red Sea, with Calypso supporting the divers and the diving saucer. Calypso is the surface ship from which the operation is run. It is the second of Cousteau's feature documentaries.
The Marea scene The yellow diving saucer being swung over Calypso's side by the ship's crane.
On set The real Calypso (see The Silent World entry).
Photo: René Beauchamp, CC BY-SA 4.0
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Ocean science and exploration
Diving saucer SP-350 'Denise' Real ship
World Without Sun (Le Monde sans soleil) (1964)
Directed by Jacques-Yves Cousteau
Presented by Jacques-Yves Cousteau, Philippe Cousteau
The two man diving saucer takes Cousteau's team down to about 300 metres, where they film deep water life never seen before. It works alongside the Conshelf Two seabed station. Its rounded shape made it one of the most recognisable submersibles of the era.
The Marea scene The saucer hovering in the dark with its lights on, meeting divers from the seabed village.
On set The real SP-350 Denise diving saucer, built for Cousteau in 1959.
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Ocean science and exploration
Calypso Real ship
The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau (1968)
Created by Alan Landsburg (director); Jacques-Yves Cousteau (host)
Starring Jacques-Yves Cousteau, Philippe Cousteau, Jean-Michel Cousteau, Rod Serling (narrator, ABC)
Calypso carries Cousteau and his team around the world across 36 episodes broadcast on ABC from 1968 to 1976. The ship is the home and workshop of the series, carrying submersibles, divers and film crews. It made the red capped crew and the white hull famous worldwide.
The Marea scene Cousteau in his red cap on Calypso's bridge, with divers preparing on the aft deck.
On set The real Calypso (see The Silent World entry).
Photo: René Beauchamp, CC BY-SA 4.0
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Ocean science and exploration
Alcyone Real ship
Cousteau's Rediscovery of the World (1985)
Created by Jacques-Yves Cousteau
Starring Jacques-Yves Cousteau, Jean-Michel Cousteau
Alcyone was launched at La Rochelle in 1985 to test Cousteau's Turbosail wind propulsion and served alongside Calypso in his later expedition films. After Calypso sank in 1996 it became the Cousteau Society's main expedition vessel.
The Marea scene Alcyone under way with its two tall cylindrical Turbosails, Calypso following in the distance.
On set The real Alcyone, Cousteau Society vessel launched 1985.
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Ocean science and exploration
Knorr / Argo Real ship
Secrets of the Titanic (1986)
Directed by Nicolas Noxon
Presented by Martin Sheen (narrator), Robert Ballard
The National Geographic film records the 1985 discovery of Titanic, when the Argo camera sled towed by the research ship showed a boiler on the seabed.
The Marea scene The control room on the research ship as Argo's screen shows the first Titanic boiler.
On set The real research vessel Knorr (Woods Hole), now retired; Argo sled.
Photo: Masur, CC0
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Ocean science and exploration
Alvin and Jason Jr. Real ship
Secrets of the Titanic (1986)
Directed by Nicolas Noxon
Presented by Martin Sheen (narrator), Robert Ballard
In 1986 Ballard returned to the wreck in the submersible Alvin, sending the small robot Jason Jr. down the Grand Staircase. The pictures became famous around the world. Alvin is still in service with Woods Hole.
The Marea scene Jason Jr. on its tether peering into the wreck while Alvin sits on the deck of Titanic.
On set The real DSV Alvin (Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution), still operating.
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Ocean science and exploration
Nautile Real ship
Return to the Titanic... Live! (1987)
Presented by Telly Savalas (host)
Nautile made a 54 day expedition to Titanic in 1987, using a robot arm to recover artefacts. The recovery was the subject of a live American TV special.
The Marea scene Nautile's manipulator arm lifting an object from the debris field.
On set The real Nautile, owned by Ifremer, in service since 1984.
Photo: CC BY-SA 3.0
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Ocean science and exploration
Mir 1 and Mir 2 Real ship
Titanica (1992)
Directed by Stephen Low
Presented by Leonard Nimoy (1995 narration), Anatoly Sagalevich, Ralph White
This IMAX film records an expedition to Titanic from the Keldysh, using the two Mir submersibles fitted with IMAX cameras and powerful lights. The Mirs are the stars of the dives. The 1995 general release was a shorter version narrated by Leonard Nimoy.
The Marea scene The two Mirs side by side over the Titanic's deck, floodlights blazing.
On set The real Mir submersibles of the P.P. Shirshov Institute, operated from Akademik Mstislav Keldysh.
Photo: L. Murphy, Public domain
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Ocean science and exploration
Bismarck (wreck) Real ship
Expedition: Bismarck (2002)
Directed by James Cameron and Gary Johnstone
Presented by Lance Henriksen (narrator), James Cameron, Karl Kuhn, Walter Weintz
Cameron's team dives on the wreck of the German battleship west of Brest to investigate how she sank in 1941. Survivors and historians help interpret the high definition footage. The film won an Emmy for sound editing.
The Marea scene A Mir submersible's lights picking out Bismarck's hull on the seabed.
On set The real wreck, filmed from the Mir 2 submersible.
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Ocean science and exploration
Akademik Mstislav Keldysh Real ship
Ghosts of the Abyss (2003)
Directed by James Cameron
Presented by Bill Paxton, James Cameron, John Broadwater, Lori Johnston
The Keldysh is the mother ship for James Cameron's 2001 expedition to the wreck of Titanic, filmed in 3D. It launches the two Mir submersibles and small robots that explore inside the wreck. Bill Paxton travels on board and dives to the wreck.
The Marea scene A Mir submersible being lowered from Keldysh's stern A-frame into the night Atlantic.
On set The real Akademik Mstislav Keldysh, built in Finland 1980, still in service; also seen in present day scenes of Titanic (1997).
Photo: Digifruitella, Public domain
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Ocean science and exploration
RMS Titanic (wreck) Real ship
Ghosts of the Abyss (2003)
Directed by James Cameron
Presented by Bill Paxton, James Cameron, Lori Johnston
The wreck of Titanic, 3,800 metres down in the North Atlantic, is the subject of the film. Mir submersibles and remotely operated vehicles explore its decks and interiors, and CGI reconstructions show the ship as it was in 1912. It is one of the most filmed shipwrecks.
The Marea scene The Titanic's bow rising out of the darkness in a Mir submersible's lights.
On set The real wreck on the seabed off Newfoundland.
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Ocean science and exploration
Deepsea Challenger Real ship
Deepsea Challenge 3D (2014)
Directed by John Bruno, Ray Quint and Andrew Wight
Presented by James Cameron
The film follows James Cameron's building of the Deepsea Challenger and his solo dive to the Challenger Deep in March 2012. The sub reached about 10,908 metres, the second crewed dive to the bottom of the Mariana Trench. It is a record of engineering as much as exploration.
The Marea scene The upright green Deepsea Challenger being lowered into the Pacific with Cameron sealed inside.
On set The real Deepsea Challenger, damaged in a 2015 truck fire, repaired and shown in touring exhibitions.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Ocean science and exploration
Trieste Real ship
Deepsea Challenge 3D (2014)
Directed by John Bruno, Ray Quint and Andrew Wight
Presented by James Cameron, Don Walsh
The 1960 dive of the Trieste, carrying Jacques Piccard and Don Walsh to the Challenger Deep, is the historic precedent for Cameron's 2012 dive. The bathyscaphe appears through archive material.
The Marea scene Piccard and Walsh on Trieste's small conning tower before the record dive.
On set The real Trieste, on display at the National Museum of the United States Navy, Washington DC.
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Ocean science and exploration
Alucia and Triton submersible Real ship
Great Barrier Reef with David Attenborough (2015)
Created by Anne Sommerfield
Starring David Attenborough
David Attenborough dives in a Triton submersible launched from Alucia to explore the deeper parts of the Great Barrier Reef. The ship is the base for the series. The three part BBC One series aired from December 2015 to January 2016.
The Marea scene Attenborough inside the clear acrylic sphere of the Triton sub beside the reef wall.
On set The real Alucia (now Odyssey) and its Triton 3300/3 submersible.
Photo: Adog, CC BY-SA 4.0
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Ocean science and exploration
Calypso Real ship
The Odyssey (L'Odyssée) (2016)
Directed by Jérôme Salle
Starring Lambert Wilson, Pierre Niney, Audrey Tautou
This biographical drama follows Jacques-Yves Cousteau, his wife Simone and son Philippe, with Calypso at the centre of the family's adventures and conflicts. The ship is shown from its conversion through the years of expeditions. It is a dramatisation rather than a documentary.
The Marea scene Lambert Wilson as Cousteau on Calypso's deck, with Simone beside him as the ship heads out to sea.
Photo: René Beauchamp, CC BY-SA 4.0
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Ocean science and exploration
Alucia Real ship
Blue Planet II (2017)
Directed by James Honeyborne and Mark Brownlow (executive producers)
Presented by David Attenborough (narrator)
The research ship Alucia supported deep sea filming for the BBC series, including Antarctic dives in submersibles for the episode The Deep. Its two submarines rated to 1,000 metres allowed the team to film behaviour never seen before. The ship is not seen much on screen but was vital to the series.
The Marea scene A Triton submersible descending from Alucia's deck crane into polar water.
On set The real Alucia (built 1974 as RV Nadir), renamed Odyssey in 2022.
Photo: Adog, CC BY-SA 4.0
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Ocean science and exploration
Energy Observer Real ship
Energy Observer, l'odyssée pour le futur (2017 onwards)
Created by Jérôme Delafosse
Starring Victorien Erussard, Jérôme Delafosse
Energy Observer is a converted racing catamaran that sails the world powered by solar panels, wind and hydrogen made from seawater. It is also a floating film studio producing documentaries on energy transition, earning the nickname 'modern day Calypso'.
The Marea scene Energy Observer's solar covered hull and wing sails arriving in port.
On set The real Energy Observer, based at Saint-Malo, on its world voyage from 2017.
Photo: Plyd, CC BY-SA 4.0
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Ocean science and exploration
Tara Real ship
Tara, the Coral Odyssey (2017)
Directed by Pierre de Parscau
Presented by Jacques Gamblin (narrator)
The schooner Tara sails through French Polynesia studying coral reefs during the Tara Pacific expedition. Sailors and scientists meet island communities affected by coral loss. The ship was built for Jean-Louis Étienne and later owned by Sir Peter Blake before becoming Tara.
The Marea scene Tara at anchor inside a Tuamotu atoll lagoon with divers going over the side.
On set The real schooner Tara, still operated by the Tara Ocean Foundation.
Photo: Yohann.cordelle, CC BY 3.0
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Offshore disasters
Piper Alpha Real ship
Fire in the Night (2013)
Directed by Anthony Wonke
Presented by Paul Berriff, Stephen McGinty, survivors
BBC documentary on the explosion and fire on the Piper Alpha platform on 6 July 1988, in which 167 men died, told by survivors and rescuers. It won a Scottish BAFTA for best single documentary.
The Marea scene The fast rescue craft of the standby vessel Silver Pit working near the platform at night.
On set Archive footage; the platform remains were toppled. A memorial stands in Hazlehead Park, Aberdeen.
Photo: Wikipedia
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Oil tanker disasters
Amoco Cadiz Real ship
Days of Fury (1979)
Directed by Fred Warshofsky
Presented by Vincent Price (host)
Compilation film on natural and man made disasters that includes footage of the Amoco Cadiz, which ran aground at Portsall, Brittany, on 16 March 1978 and spilled some 220,000 tonnes of crude oil.
The Marea scene Breton fishermen and volunteers on the rocky shore of Portsall, the tanker aground offshore.
On set Archive footage; the ship's anchor is displayed at Portsall harbour.
Photo: NOAA, Public domain
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Oil tanker disasters
Exxon Valdez Real ship
Black Wave: The Legacy of the Exxon Valdez (2008)
Directed by Robert Cornellier
Presented by Riki Ott
Canadian documentary on the 1989 grounding of the tanker Exxon Valdez on Bligh Reef, Prince William Sound, and its long effect on the fishing town of Cordova, following marine biologist Riki Ott through twenty years of litigation.
The Marea scene Cordova fishing boats working on the calm water of Prince William Sound in spring.
On set Archive footage; the ship was renamed several times and scrapped in India in 2012.
Photo: NOAA, Public domain
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Polar exploration
Endurance Real ship
South (1919)
Directed by Frank Hurley
Presented by Ernest Shackleton, Frank Hurley
Frank Hurley filmed Shackleton's expedition as it happened, including Endurance breaking through ice, becoming trapped and being crushed. The silent film also tells of the boat journey to South Georgia. The BFI restored it in 1996 and again in 2022.
The Marea scene Endurance at night lit by flares, masts and rigging coated in frost among the ice.
On set The real Endurance, filmed on location; wreck found in 2022.
Photo: Frank Hurley, Public domain
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Polar exploration
Terra Nova Real ship
Scott of the Antarctic (1948)
Directed by Charles Frend
Starring John Mills, Derek Bond, James Robertson Justice, Kenneth More
Ealing's account of Scott's 1910 to 1913 expedition. For lack of funds Scott settles on the old whaler Terra Nova, which carries the expedition south and battles the pack ice on the way to Antarctica.
The Marea scene Terra Nova, deep laden with ponies and sledges, pushes through pack ice while the men watch from the rigging.
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Polar exploration
Krasin Real ship
The Red Tent (Krasnaya palatka) (1969)
Directed by Mikhail Kalatozov
Starring Sean Connery, Peter Finch, Claudia Cardinale, Hardy Krüger
A Soviet and Italian film of the 1928 loss of Nobile's airship Italia. The icebreaker Krasin is sent after the survivors' radio call, is damaged on the way, and finally rescues the men from the red tent on the ice.
The Marea scene Krasin's bow smashes through the ice floe towards the red tent as the starving survivors wave.
On set The real Krasin (1916) was used in the filming and is now a museum ship in Saint Petersburg.
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Polar exploration
Terra Nova and Fram Real ship
The Last Place on Earth (1985)
Created by Ferdinand Fairfax
Starring Martin Shaw, Sverre Anker Ousdal, Max von Sydow, Stephen Moore
A seven part Central Television serial, written by Trevor Griffiths from Roland Huntford's book Scott and Amundsen, on the race to the South Pole. Scott sails in Terra Nova and Amundsen in Nansen's Fram.
The Marea scene Fram lies anchored in the Bay of Whales while Amundsen's men unload dogs onto the ice.
On set The real Fram is preserved at the Fram Museum, Oslo.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Polar exploration
Alexandra Shackleton (James Caird replica) Real ship
Chasing Shackleton (2014)
Presented by Tim Jarvis
Tim Jarvis and his team built an exact replica of the James Caird and in 2013 re-created Shackleton's 800 mile voyage from Elephant Island to South Georgia and the crossing of the island. The series was shown on PBS. The original James Caird is at Dulwich College.
The Marea scene The small wooden boat climbing a huge Southern Ocean swell with men huddled under canvas.
On set The replica Alexandra Shackleton, built 2012; original James Caird at Dulwich College, London.
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Polar exploration
Pourquoi-Pas? Real ship
Charcot: Secret Poles (Charcot, pionnier des mers polaires) (2016)
Directed by Marc Jampolsky
Presented by Jean-Baptiste Charcot (archive)
The film follows Jean-Baptiste Charcot's scientific expeditions to the Antarctic and Arctic aboard his laboratory ship Pourquoi-Pas?. The ship wintered at Petermann Island in 1908 to 1910. It was wrecked off Iceland in 1936 with the loss of Charcot and all but one of the crew.
The Marea scene Pourquoi-Pas? moored against Antarctic ice cliffs with the crew on the floe.
On set The real ship was wrecked on reefs off Álftanes, Iceland, in 1936.
Photo: Kerzoncuf, J, Public domain
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Polar exploration
Endurance Real ship
Endurance (2024)
Directed by Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, Jimmy Chin and Natalie Hewit
Presented by Mensun Bound, John Shears, Dan Snow, Nico Vincent
The film tells the story of Shackleton's ship, crushed in Weddell Sea pack ice and sunk in November 1915, alongside the 2022 expedition that found the wreck 3,008 metres down. All 28 men of the 1914 expedition survived. The wreck was found with its name still legible on the stern.
The Marea scene Endurance heeled over and gripped by pressure ice, the crew watching from the floe.
On set The real wreck lies protected on the Weddell Sea floor under the Antarctic Treaty.
Photo: Frank Hurley, Public domain
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Polar exploration
S.A. Agulhas II Real ship
Endurance (2024)
Directed by Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, Jimmy Chin and Natalie Hewit
Presented by Mensun Bound, John Shears, Dan Snow
The South African icebreaker was the search ship for the Endurance22 expedition in February and March 2022. Underwater vehicles launched from it found the wreck of Endurance. The film follows the expedition team on board.
The Marea scene The red hulled Agulhas II pushing through Weddell Sea pack ice under a grey sky.
On set The real S.A. Agulhas II, built 2012 in Rauma, Finland; in service.
Photo: nairnbairn, CC BY-SA 2.0
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Reality series
Picton Castle Real ship
Pirate Master (2007)
Directed by Mark Burnett
Presented by Cameron Daddo
Sixteen modern day contestants live as pirates aboard a real tall ship, competing for a treasure worth one million US dollars.
The Marea scene Contestants in pirate dress swarming up the Picton Castle's rigging as the captain calls the next challenge.
On set The real barque Picton Castle, a sail training ship based in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia.
Photo: Waterborough, CC BY-SA 3.0
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Reality series
Bounty launch replica Real ship
Mutiny (2017)
Produced by Channel 4
Presented by Ant Middleton
Nine men recreate Captain Bligh's open boat voyage after the Bounty mutiny, sailing a replica launch thousands of miles from Tonga to Timor with 18th century supplies.
The Marea scene The crew crammed into the open launch, rowing through a squall with Ant Middleton at the tiller.
On set A purpose built replica of the Bounty's launch.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Record voyages and racing
Gipsy Moth IV Real ship
BBC coverage of the 1966 to 1967 voyage (1967)
Presented by Sir Francis Chichester
Chichester sailed Gipsy Moth IV single handed round the world with one stop, in 226 sailing days. The BBC and Sunday Times chartered a plane to film him at sea.
The Marea scene Gipsy Moth IV rounding Cape Horn under reduced sail, filmed from the air.
On set The real Gipsy Moth IV, relaunched in 2025 after restoration and based in British waters.
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Record voyages and racing
Ra Real ship
Ra (1972)
Directed by Lennart Ehrenborg and Thor Heyerdahl
Presented by Thor Heyerdahl, Norman Baker, Carlo Mauri, Yuri Senkevich
Heyerdahl's first papyrus boat set out from Morocco in 1969 to show that ancient reed boats could cross the Atlantic. It broke up after about eight weeks, some 600 miles short of Barbados. The film was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Documentary.
The Marea scene The multinational crew bailing and lashing as Ra's papyrus stern sags in the Atlantic swell.
On set The original Ra was abandoned at sea in 1969.
Photo: Wikipedia
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Record voyages and racing
Ra II Real ship
Ra (1972)
Directed by Lennart Ehrenborg and Thor Heyerdahl
Presented by Thor Heyerdahl, Norman Baker, Kei Ohara, Roscoe Lee Browne (narrator)
After Ra failed, Heyerdahl built Ra II and sailed it from Morocco to Barbados in 57 days, arriving on 12 July 1970. The same international crew returned with two new members. The success forms the climax of the film.
The Marea scene Ra II arriving off Barbados with its tall bipod mast and square sail.
On set The original Ra II is displayed at the Kon-Tiki Museum, Oslo.
Photo: Wikipedia
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Record voyages and racing
Tigris Real ship
The Tigris Expedition (1979)
Directed by Thor Heyerdahl
Presented by Thor Heyerdahl, Norman Baker, Carlo Mauri, Yuri Senkevich
Heyerdahl's reed boat was built in Iraq and sailed through the Persian Gulf to Pakistan and into the Red Sea over about five months. In April 1978 the crew deliberately burned it at Djibouti in protest at the wars around them.
The Marea scene Tigris burning at Djibouti, flames climbing the reed hull.
On set The original Tigris was burned at Djibouti on 3 April 1978.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Record voyages and racing
Bluebird K7 Real ship
Across the Lake (1988)
Directed by Tony Maylam
Starring Anthony Hopkins
This BBC drama shows Donald Campbell's last attempt on the water speed record on Coniston Water. On 4 January 1967 K7 lifted off at over 300 mph and crashed, killing Campbell. The boat set seven world water speed records between 1955 and 1967.
The Marea scene K7 lifting clear of Coniston Water in a backward somersault.
Photo: Neil Sheppard, CC BY-SA 3.0
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Record voyages and racing
B&Q (B&Q/Castorama) Real ship
Ellen MacArthur record documentary (BBC One) (2005)
Presented by Ellen MacArthur
Ellen MacArthur sailed B&Q/Castorama single handed round the world in 71 days 14 hours 18 minutes 33 seconds, setting a world record in February 2005. She filmed over 25 hours of footage on board herself.
The Marea scene MacArthur alone on the trimaran's deck talking to camera in a Southern Ocean storm.
On set The real trimaran, later renamed Use It Again and skippered by Romain Pilliard.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Record voyages and racing
Suhaili Real ship
Deep Water (2006)
Directed by Jerry Rothwell and Louise Osmond
Presented by Tilda Swinton (narrator), Robin Knox-Johnston
Robin Knox-Johnston sailed Suhaili to win the 1968 to 1969 Golden Globe Race, the first solo non stop circumnavigation. He is interviewed in the film. Suhaili provides the counterpoint to Crowhurst's tragedy.
The Marea scene Knox-Johnston at Suhaili's tiller, bearded and weather beaten, on his return to Falmouth.
On set The real Suhaili, still owned by Knox-Johnston and restored in 2020.
Photo: Thomas Keyser, CC BY-SA 4.0
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Record voyages and racing
Joshua Real ship
Deep Water (2006)
Directed by Jerry Rothwell and Louise Osmond
Presented by Tilda Swinton (narrator), Bernard Moitessier (archive), Françoise Moitessier de Cazalet
Bernard Moitessier sailed Joshua in the Golden Globe Race but abandoned it while well placed and carried on to Tahiti. His decision is one of the most famous in sailing history. The film tells his story alongside Crowhurst's.
The Marea scene Moitessier firing a message by slingshot onto a passing ship's deck from Joshua.
On set The real Joshua belongs to the Musée maritime de La Rochelle.
Photo: Wikipedia
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Record voyages and racing
Pen Duick Real ship
Tabarly (2008)
Directed by Pierre Marcel
Presented by Éric Tabarly (archive)
The film is a portrait of Éric Tabarly, the French sailor whose Pen Duick yachts won transatlantic and ocean races in the 1960s and 1970s. The first Pen Duick was his father's old cutter, which he rebuilt. Tabarly was lost overboard from Pen Duick in the Irish Sea in 1998.
The Marea scene Tabarly at the helm of the black hulled Pen Duick under gaff sail.
On set The Pen Duick yachts still sail in classic events; Marie Tabarly sails Pen Duick VI.
Photo: Pline, CC BY-SA 3.0
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Record voyages and racing
Hōkūleʻa Real ship
Papa Mau: The Wayfinder (2010)
Directed by Nāʻālehu Anthony
Presented by Mau Piailug, Nainoa Thompson
Hōkūleʻa sailed from Hawaii to Tahiti in 1976 using only traditional non instrument navigation, guided by master navigator Mau Piailug. The film tells how Mau taught a new generation of Hawaiian navigators. The canoe later sailed round the world on the Mālama Honua voyage from 2014 to 2017.
The Marea scene Mau Piailug standing at the stern of Hōkūleʻa reading the swells at dawn.
On set The real Hōkūleʻa, owned by the Polynesian Voyaging Society, still sailing.
Photo: Phil Uhl, CC BY-SA 3.0
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Record voyages and racing
Earthrace Real ship
EarthRace: Soaring the Seas to Make History
Presented by Pete Bethune
Earthrace circled the globe in 60 days 23 hours and 49 minutes in 2008, a record for a powered boat. The documentary follows Pete Bethune's attempt. The boat later became Sea Shepherd's Ady Gil.
The Marea scene The silver wave piercer slicing straight through a wave rather than riding over it.
On set The real boat became Ady Gil and was lost in 2010.
Photo: David, Public domain
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Refugee ships and boats
Mariel boatlift fleet Real ship
Against Wind and Tide: A Cuban Odyssey (1981)
Directed by Jim Burroughs
Oscar nominated documentary on the 1980 Mariel boatlift, filmed in the Straits of Florida, at Key West and at Fort Chaffee as some 125,000 Cubans reached the United States in a flotilla of small boats.
The Marea scene Overcrowded shrimp boats and cabin cruisers arriving at the Key West docks in bright sunshine.
On set Real boats filmed in 1980.
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Refugee ships and boats
Exodus 1947 (ex President Warfield) Real ship
Exodus 1947 (1997)
Directed by Elizabeth Rodgers and Robby Henson
Presented by Morley Safer (narrator)
PBS documentary on the former Baltimore steamer President Warfield, which carried some 4,500 Jewish Holocaust survivors towards Palestine in 1947 and was intercepted by the Royal Navy, with passengers returned to Europe.
The Marea scene The old white bay steamer, crowded with passengers, flying a blue and white flag in the eastern Mediterranean.
On set Archive footage; the ship burned in Haifa in 1952 and was scrapped.
Photo: Fritz Cohen, Public domain
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Refugee ships and boats
MV Struma Real ship
The Struma (2001)
Directed by Simcha Jacobovici
Canadian documentary on the Struma, which left Romania in December 1941 with about 780 Jewish refugees, was held at Istanbul for ten weeks and was torpedoed in the Black Sea by a Soviet submarine in February 1942, leaving one survivor. The film follows a descendant's search for the wreck.
The Marea scene The overcrowded little ship at anchor off Istanbul in winter, refugees waving from the rails.
On set Archive material; the wreck lies in the Black Sea.
Photo: Public domain
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Refugee ships and boats
SIEV X Real ship
Hope (2008)
Directed by Steve Thomas
Presented by Amal Basry
Australian documentary about Amal Basry, one of the few survivors of the boat known as SIEV X, which sank between Indonesia and Australia in October 2001 with the loss of 353 lives, and her efforts to keep its memory alive.
The Marea scene A memorial of painted wooden poles on a Canberra lakeshore, one for each person lost.
On set No vessel survives; the SIEV X memorial stands in Canberra.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Refugee ships and boats
Lampedusa refugee boat (3 October 2013) Real ship
Shipwreck (2014)
Directed by Morgan Knibbe
Presented by Abraham (survivor)
Dutch short documentary in which Abraham, an Eritrean survivor of the boat that sank off Lampedusa on 3 October 2013 with more than 360 deaths, walks through the island's graveyard of wrecked migrant boats while coffins are loaded onto a navy ship.
The Marea scene A survivor standing among the stacked hulls of wrecked wooden boats in the Lampedusa boat graveyard.
On set Real wrecked migrant boats on Lampedusa.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Refugee ships and boats
Iuventa Real ship
Iuventa (2018)
Directed by Michele Cinque
Presented by Crew of Jugend Rettet
Documentary following the young volunteers of the German NGO Jugend Rettet and their rescue ship Iuventa, a converted 1962 fishing vessel, in the central Mediterranean. The ship was seized by Italian authorities in 2017; the crew were acquitted in 2024.
The Marea scene Volunteers in a fast rescue boat handing out life jackets to a crowded rubber boat, the Iuventa waiting nearby.
On set The real Iuventa, filmed during rescue missions.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Refugee ships and boats
Sea-Watch 3 Real ship
SeaWatch3 (2019)
Directed by Nadia Kailouli and Jonas Schreijäg
Presented by Carola Rackete
NDR documentary filmed during a 21 day mission of the NGO ship Sea-Watch 3, ending with the ship entering Lampedusa without permission and the arrest of her captain Carola Rackete in June 2019. Music by Nils Frahm.
The Marea scene Sea-Watch 3 lying off Lampedusa at sunset, rescued people resting under blankets on deck.
On set The real ship, filmed during the mission.
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Refugee ships and boats
MV Tampa Real ship
Tampa: The Turning Point (2026)
Directed by Kriv Stenders
Presented by John Howard, Alexander Downer, Marian Wilkinson, rescued refugees
Three part ABC series on the August 2001 rescue of 433 people from a sinking fishing boat by the Norwegian freighter Tampa, and the stand off when Australia refused to let her land them at Christmas Island.
The Marea scene The blue hulled Tampa at anchor off Christmas Island, rescued people sheltering among containers on deck.
On set Archive footage of the real ship.
Photo: Remi Jouan, CC BY-SA 3.0
Documentaries and Real Explorers · River disasters
Sultana Real ship
Remember the Sultana (2018)
Directed by Mike Marshall and Mark Marshall
Presented by Sean Astin
Documentary on the Sultana, whose boilers exploded on the Mississippi near Memphis on 27 April 1865 while she carried Union soldiers freed from Cahaba and Andersonville, the deadliest maritime disaster in American history.
The Marea scene The overloaded steamboat photographed at Helena, Arkansas, soldiers crowding every deck.
On set Archive photographs; the remains are believed to lie under farmland in Arkansas.
Documentaries and Real Explorers · River disasters
SS Eastland Real ship
The Eastland Tragedy July 24, 1915 (2026)
Directed by WTTW
Chicago public television documentary on the Eastland, which rolled over at her dock in the Chicago River on 24 July 1915 while boarding Western Electric employees for a company picnic, killing 844 people.
The Marea scene The steamer at the Clark Street dock on a summer morning, families in their best clothes filing aboard.
On set The ship was raised and became the naval training vessel USS Wilmette, scrapped in 1947.
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Royal and historic ships on TV
Mary Rose Real ship
Live television broadcast of the raising of the Mary Rose (1982)
Henry VIII's warship sank in the Solent in 1545 and was raised on 11 October 1982, watched by Prince Charles. The raising was broadcast live on television. The hull is now displayed at Portsmouth.
The Marea scene The lifting frame bringing the dark timbers of the hull up out of the Solent.
On set The real Mary Rose hull, in the Mary Rose Museum, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.
Photo: Anthony Roll, Public domain
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Royal and historic ships on TV
Vasa Real ship
Vasa 1628 (2011)
Created by Anders Wahlgren
The Swedish warship sank on its maiden voyage in Stockholm harbour in 1628 and was salvaged in 1961 in front of television cameras and crowds. A large budget film on Vasa premiered on Swedish television (SVT) in late 2011. The ship is displayed in the Vasa Museum.
The Marea scene Vasa's hull breaking the surface of Stockholm harbour in April 1961.
On set The real Vasa, Vasa Museum, Stockholm.
Photo: JavierKohen, CC BY-SA 3.0
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Royal and historic ships on TV
Charles W. Morgan Real ship
The Charles W. Morgan (2014)
Directed by Bailey Pryor
The documentary tells the 170 year history of the last surviving wooden whaleship, which made 37 whaling voyages from New Bedford. It premiered in May 2014 ahead of the ship's restored 38th voyage to New England ports. The ship is a National Historic Landmark.
The Marea scene The Morgan under full sail off Cape Cod on its 38th voyage.
On set The real Charles W. Morgan, Mystic Seaport Museum, Connecticut.
Photo: Copyrighted free use
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Royal and historic ships on TV
SS Andrea Doria Real ship
Andrea Doria: Are the Passengers Saved? (2016)
Directed by Luca Guardabascio
The Italian liner sank off Nantucket in July 1956 after a collision with the Stockholm, and almost everyone on board was rescued. The documentary tells the story through survivors. The wreck is a famous dive site.
The Marea scene Andrea Doria listing heavily in the morning light as lifeboats pull away.
On set The real wreck lies off Nantucket, Massachusetts.
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Royal and historic ships on TV
L'Hermione Real ship
L'Hermione, le grand voyage américain (2016)
Directed by Jean-Dominique Lamy and Valérie Toëbat
The film follows the replica frigate's first great voyage to the United States in 2015, retracing Lafayette's 1780 crossing. It shows daily life for volunteer and professional crew on an 18th century ship and every port of call. The replica was built at Rochefort.
The Marea scene Volunteers aloft on the yards furling sail as the frigate approaches the American coast.
On set The real replica Hermione, built at Rochefort and launched 2012 to 2014.
Photo: Jp.sembely, CC BY-SA 4.0
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Royal and historic ships on TV
HMY Britannia Real ship
Great British Royal Ships: Britannia, Secrets of the Royal Yacht (2017)
The royal yacht carried the royal family on 696 foreign visits from 1954 to 1997. Documentaries explore its state rooms, crew life and role in royal history. It carried the last Governor of Hong Kong in 1997 before decommissioning.
The Marea scene Britannia dressed overall entering harbour with the Royal Marines band on the quarterdeck.
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Royal and historic ships on TV
HMS Belfast Real ship
Great British Ships: HMS Belfast (2018)
Presented by Rob Bell
The episode tells the story of the Second World War cruiser that fought at the Battle of North Cape and supported D-Day. It forms part of the Channel 5 series. Belfast is moored on the Thames as a museum ship.
The Marea scene Belfast's forward turrets firing during the Normandy bombardment.
Photo: Alvesgaspar, CC BY-SA 3.0
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Royal and historic ships on TV
HMS Victory Real ship
Great British Ships: HMS Victory, Nelson's Great Warship (2018)
Presented by Rob Bell
Rob Bell explores Nelson's flagship at Trafalgar in the Channel 5 series. The episode covers how the ship was built and fought. Victory is the oldest naval ship still in commission.
The Marea scene Nelson falling on Victory's quarterdeck at Trafalgar, as told in the programme.
On set The real HMS Victory, in dry dock at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.
Photo: Cimosteve, CC0
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Royal and historic ships on TV
SS Great Britain Real ship
Great British Ships: SS Great Britain (2018)
Presented by Rob Bell
The episode covers Brunel's revolutionary iron steamship and its later life as an emigrant ship and hulk. It forms part of the Channel 5 series. The ship is preserved in its original dry dock in Bristol.
The Marea scene The Great Britain under steam and sail leaving Bristol.
Photo: mattbuck, CC BY-SA 3.0
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Royal and historic ships on TV
Mary Rose Real ship
Great British Ships: Sunk, Mary Rose Secrets From the Deep (2018)
Presented by Rob Bell
The Channel 5 episode explores the Mary Rose, why she sank in 1545 and what the raised hull and artefacts reveal about Tudor sailors. It forms part of a series on famous British ships.
The Marea scene The Mary Rose heeling suddenly to starboard with water pouring in through open gunports.
Photo: Anthony Roll, Public domain
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Royal and historic ships on TV
Golden Hinde Real ship
Great British Ships: The Golden Hinde (2018)
Presented by Rob Bell
The episode tells the story of Francis Drake's circumnavigation in the Golden Hind, using the full size replica. The replica has itself sailed round the world. It sits at St Mary Overie Dock in London.
The Marea scene Drake's galleon under sail with the golden hind figurehead at the bow.
Photo: Murgatroyd49, CC BY-SA 4.0
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Royal and historic ships on TV
Cutty Sark Real ship
Great British Ships: Cutty Sark (2019)
Presented by Rob Bell
The episode tells the story of the clipper built at Dumbarton in 1869 for the tea trade and later the wool trade. It also covers the ship's survival and the 2007 fire. Cutty Sark reopened at Greenwich in 2012.
The Marea scene Cutty Sark racing home under full sail with the tea harvest.
On set The real Cutty Sark, museum ship at Greenwich, London.
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Royal and historic ships on TV
Pilar Real ship
Hemingway (2021)
Directed by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick
Presented by Peter Coyote (narrator), Jeff Daniels (voice of Hemingway)
Hemingway's boat Pilar was used for marlin fishing off Key West and Cuba and for U-boat patrols in the Second World War. The three part PBS series covers his life in Key West and Cuba.
The Marea scene Hemingway in the fighting chair on Pilar's stern with a marlin on the line.
On set The real Pilar, on display at Finca Vigía, Havana, Cuba.
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Sailing adventures and records
Dove Real ship
The Dove (1974)
Directed by Charles Jarrott
Starring Joseph Bottoms, Deborah Raffin
A film produced by Gregory Peck of Robin Lee Graham's voyage round the world, begun at sixteen in 1965 in the 24 foot sloop Dove and finished in 1970 in the larger Return of Dove.
The Marea scene Young Robin stands at Dove's tiller as the little sloop slips past a Pacific atoll.
On set The real Dove, a Lapworth 24; later boat Return of Dove, a 33 foot Allied Luders.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Sailing adventures and records
Guppy Real ship
Maidentrip (2013)
Directed by Jillian Schlesinger
Presented by Laura Dekker
Laura Dekker, largely filming herself, sails the ketch Guppy alone round the world from August 2010 to January 2012, becoming at sixteen the youngest person to complete a solo circumnavigation.
The Marea scene Laura sits on Guppy's cabin top with the camera in hand, the red hull slicing through tropical blue water.
On set The real Guppy.
Photo: Savyasachi, CC BY-SA 3.0
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Sailing adventures and records
Australia II Real ship
Untold: The Race of the Century (2022)
Directed by Chapman Way, Maclain Way
Presented by John Bertrand and the Australia II crew
Netflix's documentary on Australia II's win of the 1983 America's Cup, ending the New York Yacht Club's 132 year hold on the trophy, and the row over her secret winged keel.
The Marea scene Australia II crosses the finish line off Newport with the boxing kangaroo flag flying.
On set The real Australia II, on permanent display at the WA Maritime Museum, Fremantle.
Photo: CTBOLT, CC BY-SA 3.0
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Sailing adventures and records
Ella's Pink Lady Real ship
True Spirit (2023)
Directed by Sarah Spillane
Starring Teagan Croft, Cliff Curtis, Anna Paquin, Josh Lawson
A Netflix drama of sixteen year old Jessica Watson's 2009 to 2010 solo, non stop voyage round the world in the pink yacht Ella's Pink Lady. The film shows her collision with a freighter on a trial run and the knockdowns in the Southern Ocean.
The Marea scene Ella's Pink Lady rolls over in a mountainous Southern Ocean wave, her mast pointing at the seabed.
Photo: Wikipedia
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Ship documentaries
Queen Mary 2 Real ship
Mighty Ships (2008)
Produced by Exploration Production Inc.
Starring Barbara Budd (narrator)
The Canadian series about working ships began with a special on Cunard's Queen Mary 2, following the liner and her crew on a crossing. Each episode takes one great vessel and shows how she works.
The Marea scene Queen Mary 2 steams out of harbour with her black hull and red funnel, tugs alongside.
On set The real Queen Mary 2 (2003), still in Cunard service.
Photo: Oceanhistory46, CC BY-SA 4.0
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Ship documentaries
Emma Maersk Real ship
Mighty Ships (2008)
Produced by Exploration Production Inc.
Starring Barbara Budd (narrator)
An early Mighty Ships episode follows Emma Maersk, then the largest container ship afloat, carrying cargo through pirate prone waters.
The Marea scene Emma Maersk ploughs through the swell with containers stacked high and her blue hull gleaming.
On set The real Emma Maersk (2006), still in service.
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Ship documentaries
Oasis of the Seas Real ship
Mighty Ships (2010)
Produced by Exploration Production Inc.
Starring Barbara Budd (narrator)
The third season of Mighty Ships featured Oasis of the Seas, then the largest cruise ship ever built.
The Marea scene Oasis of the Seas easing out of the Turku shipyard on her delivery voyage, crew lining the decks above her open Central Park.
On set The real Oasis of the Seas (2009), in Royal Caribbean service.
Photo: Jack Adamenko, CC0
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Ship documentaries
MSC Oscar Real ship
Mighty Ships (2015)
Produced by Exploration Production Inc.
Starring Barbara Budd (narrator)
Mighty Ships followed MSC Oscar, at the time the largest container ship in the world.
The Marea scene MSC Oscar leaves port loaded with a mountain of containers as a pilot boat pulls away.
On set The real MSC Oscar (2015).
Photo: kees torn, CC BY-SA 2.0
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Ship documentaries
MS Norröna Real ship
Mighty Ships (2018)
Produced by Exploration Production Inc.
Starring Barbara Budd (narrator)
The tenth season premiere followed Norröna, the Faroe Islands' largest ferry, linking the islands with Iceland and Denmark across the North Atlantic.
The Marea scene Norröna rides heavy North Atlantic swells on the way to Tórshavn.
On set The real MS Norröna (2003), Smyril Line.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Ship documentaries
Carnival Triumph Real ship
Trainwreck: Poop Cruise (2025)
Produced by Netflix
Presented by Passengers and crew of the Carnival Triumph
The Netflix documentary recounts the February 2013 engine room fire that left the Carnival Triumph adrift in the Gulf of Mexico without power, as sewage backed up into passenger decks until she was towed to Mobile, Alabama.
The Marea scene Passengers camped under bedsheet tents on the Triumph's open deck as tugs tow her towards Mobile.
On set The real Carnival Triumph, repaired and returned to service in June 2013; renamed Carnival Sunrise after a 2019 refit and still sailing.
Photo: Jack Adamenko, CC BY 4.0
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Slave ship wrecks
Henrietta Marie Real ship
Slave Ship: The Testimony of the Henrietta Marie (1995)
Presented by Cornel West (narrator)
Documentary on the Henrietta Marie, which delivered 191 enslaved Africans to Jamaica and sank on New Ground Reef near Key West in 1700. Its wreck, found in 1972, gave the largest collection of objects known from a slave ship.
The Marea scene Divers placing the memorial plaque, facing Africa, on the reef above the wreck in 1993.
On set The real wreck near Key West; objects are at the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Slave ship wrecks
Clotilda Real ship
Descendant (2022)
Directed by Margaret Brown
Presented by Residents of Africatown, Alabama
Netflix documentary on Africatown, Alabama, founded by Africans illegally brought to Mobile Bay on the Clotilda in 1860, the last known slave ship to reach the United States. It follows the descendants as the wreck is found in the Mobile River in 2019.
The Marea scene Descendants on a small boat on the Mobile River above the wreck site, laying flowers on the water.
On set The real wreck lies in the Mobile River, protected by the Alabama Historical Commission.
Photo: Public domain
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Submersible disasters
Titan (OceanGate submersible) Real ship
Titan: The OceanGate Disaster (2025)
Directed by Mark Monroe
Presented by David Lochridge, Sydney Nargeolet, Mark Harris
Netflix documentary on the OceanGate company and the loss of its submersible Titan during a dive to the wreck of the Titanic in June 2023, in which all five people aboard died. It draws heavily on former employees, including whistleblower David Lochridge, who had raised safety concerns about the hull.
The Marea scene Titan resting on its launch platform in calm North Atlantic water, crew in survival suits making final checks before a dive.
On set Archive footage of the real submersible; debris was recovered from the seabed near the Titanic wreck in 2023.
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Submersible disasters
Polar Prince (support ship) Real ship
Titan: The OceanGate Disaster (2025)
Directed by Mark Monroe
Presented by David Lochridge, Sydney Nargeolet, Mark Harris
The Canadian vessel Polar Prince carried Titan and her launch platform to the Titanic wreck site in June 2023 and was the surface ship in contact with the submersible when communications were lost. It is part of the background of every account of the 2023 expeditions.
The Marea scene Polar Prince at sea off Newfoundland, towing the submersible platform astern in grey northern light.
On set The real Polar Prince, a former Canadian Coast Guard light icebreaker, still in service.
Photo: Wikipedia
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Tall ships and sail
Peking Real ship
Around Cape Horn (1929)
Directed by Irving Johnson (footage 1929, narrated version 1980)
Presented by Irving Johnson
Irving Johnson filmed his voyage as a seaman aboard the German nitrate barque Peking from Hamburg round Cape Horn to Chile in 1929. In 1980 Mystic Seaport issued the footage with his own narration, one of the great records of the last commercial square riggers.
The Marea scene Men on Peking's yards fight a thrashing sail while green seas sweep the deck off Cape Horn.
On set The real Peking, built by Blohm and Voss in 1911, back in Hamburg as a museum ship since 2020.
Photo: Nightflyer, CC BY 4.0
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Tall ships and sail
Christian Radich Real ship
Windjammer (1958)
Directed by Bill Colleran, Louis de Rochemont III
Presented by Erik Bye (narrator), Captain Yngvar Kjelstrup, Pablo Casals, Arthur Fiedler
The only film shot in the widescreen Cinemiracle process follows the Norwegian training ship Christian Radich and her cadets on a 17,500 mile voyage from Oslo to Madeira, the Caribbean, New York and back to Bergen.
The Marea scene Cadets strung along the yards set sail as Christian Radich heels under full canvas.
On set The real Christian Radich (1937), still sailing from Oslo.
Photo: Public domain
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Television documentary series
HMS Ark Royal (R09) Real ship
Sailor (1976)
Directed by John Purdie
Presented by Crew of HMS Ark Royal
The BBC fly on the wall series followed Ark Royal's five and a half month deployment to North America after her refit, with Rod Stewart's Sailing as its theme. It won the BAFTA for Best Factual Series.
The Marea scene Phantoms and Buccaneers crowding the flight deck of Ark Royal as she steams west with the crew mustered on deck.
On set The real HMS Ark Royal (1950); scrapped at Cairnryan, as shown in Sailor: 8 Years On (1984).
Photo: Isaac Newton, CC BY-SA 2.5
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Television documentary series
HM Bark Endeavour (replica) Real ship
The Ship (2002)
Directed by Chris Terrill
Narrated by Dominic Frisby
Fifty five volunteers sail the Endeavour replica for six weeks from Australia's east coast to Jakarta, living as 18th century sailors and navigating by lunar distances, retracing Cook's route.
The Marea scene Volunteers hauling on the braces of the Endeavour replica as the navigators take a lunar distance with a sextant.
On set The HM Bark Endeavour replica built in Fremantle, now at the Australian National Maritime Museum, Sydney.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Television documentary series
USS Nimitz (CVN-68) Real ship
Carrier (2008)
Directed by Deborah Dickson and Jeff Dupre
Presented by Crew of USS Nimitz
The PBS series follows the Nimitz on a six month deployment from Coronado, California to the Persian Gulf in 2005, told through the crew's own experiences.
The Marea scene Deck crew in coloured jerseys launching a Hornet from the Nimitz's waist catapult at dusk.
On set The real USS Nimitz.
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Travel documentaries
Al-Sharma Real ship
Around the World in 80 Days with Michael Palin (1989)
Created by Roger Mills (and others)
Starring Michael Palin
Retracing Phileas Fogg's route without aircraft, Michael Palin sails from Dubai to Bombay on the dhow Al-Sharma, sleeping on deck with the Indian crew. The trip also used freighters, a Chinese ferry and container ships.
The Marea scene Michael Palin sits cross legged on the crowded deck of the Al-Sharma, eating with the crew as the dhow crosses the Arabian Sea.
On set The real dhow Al-Sharma (fate unknown).
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Troopships
HMT Rohna Real ship
Rohna Classified (2025)
Documentary on the Rohna, sunk by a German radio guided glide bomb off Algeria in November 1943 with 1,015 American soldiers lost, and on the decades of secrecy that followed.
The Marea scene The troopship in convoy off the Algerian coast in late afternoon, soldiers crowding the rails.
On set The wreck lies off Béjaïa, Algeria.
Photo: Public domain
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Working boats and fishing
Herring drifters Real ship
Drifters (1929)
Directed by John Grierson
Presented by Crews of the North Sea herring fleet
John Grierson's founding work of the British documentary movement, following a North Sea herring fishing voyage by steam drifter from casting the nets to the sale on the quay.
The Marea scene A steam drifter rolls in grey swell as the crew haul in nets heavy with silver herring.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Working boats and fishing
John Gillman Real ship
North Sea (1938)
Directed by Harry Watt
Presented by Crew of the John Gillman (non actors)
A GPO Film Unit drama documentary in which the Aberdeen trawler John Gillman is caught in a North Sea storm and radios for help through Wick coastguard station. It was based on a real 1937 incident.
The Marea scene The John Gillman buries her bow in heavy seas as the skipper works the wireless in the wheelhouse.
On set Real Aberdeen trawler.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Working boats and fishing
Cornelia Marie Real ship
Deadliest Catch (2005)
Created by Thom Beers
Starring Phil Harris, Josh Harris, Jake Harris
The Cornelia Marie was run by Captain Phil Harris, who suffered a stroke during filming of season six in 2010 and died. His story was among the most watched in the series. His sons later worked on the fleet.
The Marea scene Phil Harris in the wheelhouse with a cigarette, watching the deck crew through the window.
On set The real F/V Cornelia Marie, Alaskan crab boat.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Working boats and fishing
Time Bandit Real ship
Deadliest Catch (2005)
Created by Thom Beers
Starring Johnathan Hillstrand, Andy Hillstrand
The Time Bandit is run by the Hillstrand brothers, known for their friendly rivalries and pranks with other captains. It is one of the long running boats of the series. Its crew represent the family boats of the Bering Sea fleet.
The Marea scene The Time Bandit's crew firing fireworks from the deck at a rival boat.
On set The real F/V Time Bandit.
Photo: Wikipedia
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Working boats and fishing
Wizard Real ship
Deadliest Catch (2005)
Created by Thom Beers
Starring Keith Colburn
The Wizard is captained by Keith Colburn and is a regular part of the fleet shown in the series. Its crew compete for quota against the other boats. The show is filmed out of Dutch Harbor, Alaska.
The Marea scene The Wizard rolling in heavy Bering Sea swell with ice building on its rails.
On set The real F/V Wizard.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Working boats and fishing
Athena Real ship
Leviathan (2012)
Directed by Lucien Castaing-Taylor, Véréna Paravel
Presented by Crew of the trawler (no narration)
An experimental documentary from Harvard's Sensory Ethnography Lab shot aboard a New Bedford fishing trawler 200 miles out in the North Atlantic, using GoPro cameras strapped to the crew and dipped into the sea.
The Marea scene A GoPro view looks up from the tumbling catch on the deck as gulls wheel over the trawler at night.
On set A real New Bedford trawler.
Photo: Wikipedia
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Working boats and fishing
FV-Tuna.com Real ship
Wicked Tuna (2012)
Produced by National Geographic Channel
Starring Dave Carraro
Captain Dave Carraro's boat is one of the Gloucester fleet competing to catch Atlantic bluefin tuna in the North Atlantic. The series ran for 13 seasons from 2012 to 2024. Each catch is sold at market and the boats compete on earnings.
The Marea scene A giant bluefin being hauled through the boat's tuna door after a long fight.
On set The real boat based in Gloucester, Massachusetts.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Working boats and fishing
Hard Merchandise, Pinwheel, Hot Tuna and others Real ship
Wicked Tuna (2012)
Produced by National Geographic Channel
Starring Dave Marciano, Tyler McLaughlin, TJ Ott, Paul Hebert
The other Gloucester boats in the original series include Hard Merchandise (Dave Marciano), Pinwheel (Tyler McLaughlin), Hot Tuna (TJ Ott), Wicked Pissah (Paul Hebert) and Fat Tuna (Bob Cook). Their rivalry for bluefin drives each season. The show is filmed in Gloucester, Massachusetts.
The Marea scene Two rival boats working the same patch of water off Stellwagen Bank with rods bent.
On set Real boats of the Gloucester fleet.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Wrecks and deep sea
Terrier VIII Real ship
Blue Water, White Death (1971)
Directed by Peter Gimbel, James Lipscomb
Presented by Peter Gimbel, Ron Taylor, Valerie Taylor, Stan Waterman
Peter Gimbel's expedition to film the great white shark begins off Durban, where the team films sharks feeding on sperm whales harpooned by the whaler Terrier VIII. The quest continues across the Indian Ocean to Dangerous Reef in South Australia. It helped inspire Jaws.
The Marea scene Divers leave their cages beneath the Terrier VIII to swim among oceanic whitetip sharks at a whale carcass.
On set The real whale catcher Terrier VIII.
Photo: Wikipedia
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Wrecks and deep sea
RMS Titanic Real ship
Titanic: The Complete Story (1994)
Produced by A&E Network
Presented by Survivor interviews
A four hour A&E documentary in two parts, Death of a Dream and The Legend Lives On, covering the building and loss of Titanic with survivor interviews, and the 1985 discovery of the wreck. Often called the definitive documentary on the ship.
The Marea scene Titanic leaves Southampton on 10 April 1912 with her four funnels and crowds on the quay.
On set The real RMS Titanic, archive footage and photographs.
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Wrecks and deep sea
USS Yorktown (CV-5) (wreck) Real ship
Return to Midway (1999)
Produced by National Geographic
Presented by Robert Ballard
National Geographic's film of Robert Ballard's 1998 expedition that found the carrier Yorktown, sunk at the Battle of Midway, sitting upright about five kilometres down with much of her paint still visible.
The Marea scene Yorktown's flight deck and gun galleries appear upright on the seabed in the submersible's lights.
On set The real wreck of USS Yorktown, in Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.
Photo: U.S. Navy, Public domain
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Wrecks and deep sea
H. L. Hunley Real ship
The Sea Hunters (2002)
Produced by National Geographic Channel and History Television
Starring Clive Cussler, Mike Fletcher
The television series of Clive Cussler's shipwreck hunting organisation NUMA. Its most famous find is the Confederate submarine H. L. Hunley, which sank the USS Housatonic in 1864 and was raised in 2000.
The Marea scene Divers uncover the conning tower of the Hunley in the silt off Charleston.
On set The real H. L. Hunley, now conserved at the Warren Lasch Conservation Center, North Charleston.
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Wrecks and deep sea
RMS Titanic (wreck) Real ship
Save the Titanic with Bob Ballard (2012)
Produced by National Geographic Channel
Presented by Robert Ballard
Robert Ballard, who found the wreck in 1985, examines the damage done by repeated visits and argues for international protection of the site against looting.
The Marea scene Titanic's bow rail looms out of the dark in the lights of a submersible.
On set The real wreck of RMS Titanic.
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Wrecks and deep sea
RMS Titanic (wreck) Real ship
Titanic: The Final Word with James Cameron (2012)
Produced by National Geographic Channel
Presented by James Cameron, with a panel of Titanic experts
Made for the centenary of the sinking, James Cameron and experts debate a new analysis of how Titanic broke apart and sank, using a paper by J. W. Stettler of the US Coast Guard, and Cameron revisits scenes from his 1997 film.
The Marea scene Cameron and the experts gather around a large Titanic model as the break up sequence is re enacted.
On set The real wreck of RMS Titanic, 3,800 m down in the North Atlantic.
Documentaries and Real Explorers · Wrecks and deep sea
MS Estonia (wreck) Real ship
Estonia: A Find That Changes Everything (2020)
Created by Henrik Evertsson, Linus Andersson
Starring Henrik Evertsson
A Discovery documentary series on the 1994 sinking of the ferry Estonia in the Baltic, in which 852 people died. An ROV survey found a hole about 4 by 1.2 metres in the hull, which led to a new official investigation; the filmmakers were later fined under the Estonia wreck protection law.
The Marea scene An ROV's lights sweep across the hull plating of the Estonia on the Baltic seabed.
On set The real wreck of MS Estonia, a protected grave site in the Baltic.
Explore Ships on Screen by chapter
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See all 1,404 ships on one page
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- We research her. Plans, stills, the real ship used on set where there was one, and our Ai Refloat™ reconstruction when no plans survive at all.
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