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Six-part documentary Shipwreck Hunters Australia, filmed in the North West, gets Disney+ premiere date

Alexander ScottPilbara News
The cast of Shipwreck Hunters Australia, Andre Rerekura, Johnny Debnam, Captain Ash Sutton, Ryan Chatfield and Nush Freedman.
Camera IconThe cast of Shipwreck Hunters Australia, Andre Rerekura, Johnny Debnam, Captain Ash Sutton, Ryan Chatfield and Nush Freedman. Credit: Supplied/Rebecca Tooth

The deep-sea mysteries of Australia’s vast Treasure Coast will be explored in an upcoming documentary in which a fearless ocean adventure team dive into the depths of one of the most spectacular and remote places, bringing to life epic shipwreck stories.

Shipwreck Hunters Australia will premiere on Disney Plus on October 5, with the six-part series following a group of highly skilled divers and underwater filmmakers made up of captain Ash Sutton, Andre Rerekura, Nush Freedman, Johnny Debnam and Ryan Chatfield as they explore hidden shipwrecks.

Filming took place off WA’s vast coastline, the resting place of a predicted 1600 shipwrecks, including Broome, Dampier and the Ningaloo Coast.

The crew are joined by expert maritime archaeologists from the Western Australian Museum Dr Ross Anderson and Dr Deb Shefi to help unearth the mysteries that lie within the depths.

It is the first Australian documentary series commissioned by Disney Plus, and is a co-production between VAM Media and Terra Australis Productions in association with Barking Mad Productions for Disney Plus.

VAM Media director Brendan Hutchens said it was a truly unique series.

“We wanted to create a documentary series that would be full of adventure, showcasing the incredible landscapes and ocean environments of Western Australia through the eyes and experiences of a very special group of salty characters,” he said.

“All of them are passionate about shipwrecks and the search for hidden secrets and lost stories.“

Captain Ash Sutton said the ocean was a wild and unpredictable place, with many secrets hidden beneath the waves.

“Stories that keep me from sleeping at night and feed my passion. Looking for shipwrecks is the ultimate buzz for me,” he said.

“Firstly you have to use all your knowledge, research and skills to try to find them, and then try and dive them!

“There is no stopping me and the team from trying. There is nothing better.”Executive producer Steve Bibb said when he first met the team he could see their passion for deep-sea mystery.

“I just knew the world had to see them in action,” he said. “We’re excited to be able to show viewers what the team discovered, which I’m sure will make headlines around the world.”

Shipwreck Hunters Australia will premiere on Disney Plus on October 5.

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