National Geographic Documentaries Season 2011 Episode 81 Deepest Dive: The Story of Trieste

In this episode of National Geographic Documentaries season 2011, episode 81, viewers are taken on a journey to explore the fascinating story of Trieste, the deepest diving submersible in history.

Through a combination of archival footage, interviews with experts, and stunning underwater imagery, the episode takes viewers deep beneath the ocean's surface to explore the history of diving and the technological advancements that made Trieste possible.

The episode begins by recounting the early days of underwater exploration, when divers would venture down in crude metal suits with limited oxygen supplies. Viewers are shown footage of early dives, highlighting the danger and difficulty of these early expeditions.

From there, the episode moves on to discuss the development of air-filled diving suits, which allowed for longer and safer dives. However, even with this new technology, divers were still only able to dive to a few hundred feet below the surface.

The breakthrough came with the development of oceanic exploration technology after World War II. With the Cold War in full swing, both the U.S. and Soviet Union invested heavily in underwater exploration, with each eager to explore the depths of the ocean for military advantage.

It was during this time that a Swiss scientist named Auguste Piccard developed the concept for a submersible that could dive to the deepest parts of the ocean. In 1960, Piccard's son Jacques Piccard, along with U.S. Navy Lieutenant Don Walsh, climbed into the Trieste and made the historic dive to the Challenger Deep, the deepest part of the ocean.

The rest of the episode is dedicated to exploring the technology behind Trieste's incredible dive, as well as the impact it had on oceanic exploration moving forward. Viewers are shown the cramped conditions aboard the submersible, with Walsh and Piccard crammed into a tiny cockpit with few amenities.

One of the most intriguing parts of the episode is the in-depth look at Trieste's technological innovations. From the multiple layers of steel and plexiglass to the complex hydraulic system that allowed the submersible to descend and ascend, viewers get a sense of just how incredible Trieste was for its time.

Overall, Deepest Dive: The Story of Trieste is a thrilling and fascinating exploration of one of the most groundbreaking moments in oceanic exploration. Through its combination of expert interviews, archival footage, and stunning modern footage, viewers are transported back in time to witness the incredible feat that was the Trieste's dive to the Challenger Deep.