Mysteries of the Abandoned Season 10 Episode 2 The Beached Leviathan
- TVPG
- January 9, 2022
- 42 min
As the second episode of the tenth season of "Mysteries of the Abandoned," "The Beached Leviathan" takes viewers to one of the most remarkable and remote places in the world: the Skeleton Coast of Namibia. The area is known for its harsh, unforgiving beauty, and the show explores a massive, rusting ship that remains stranded on these ancient shores.
It is remarkable to think that, for over three decades, the industrial hull of a massive fishing vessel has been grounded on the picturesque shores of northern Namibia. This once-great ship, which once plied the waters off the coast, has been silently rusting away, and now serves as an eerie relic and empty shell of its past glory.
In this episode, experts and presenters, led by explorers Rob Bell and Stefan Gates, as well as historian Lynette Naminago, venture deep into the heart of the Skeleton Coast to investigate the secrets of this abandoned behemoth. The team discovers that the ship is not just a relic of a bygone age but that it was also used to capture massive whales that once roamed these contested waters in abundance.
Over the course of the episode, viewers will see the team explore the rusting ruins and discover the incredible lengths this ship went to in order to capture its prizes. From huge winches to 300-foot-long nets that were cast overboard, the ship was a formidable and deadly beast in its own right.
As the team delves deeper into the mysteries of the Leviathan, they uncover the harsh realities of whaling, from the inhumane treatment of sentient creatures to the environmental damage left in the wake of the industry. What's more, they discuss the environmental impact of the oil spills that have occurred from such damaged ships, and the long-term effects on the marine ecosystems in the area.
Despite its dim and abandoned condition, the Leviathan is also home to an array of unique creatures, including bird colonies and Namibian seals. The team witnesses a pod of seals, who, undeterred by the ship's barrenness, have made the vessel their nesting ground.
The final minutes of "The Beached Leviathan" explore the fate of the ship and what it means for conservation efforts today. By illuminating the whaling industry and its effects on the environment, the team shows how such ships like the Leviathan can be living artifacts of a past that still holds significance for future generations.