Ep 8. Raiders of the Civil War

In the eight episode of the third season of Drain the Oceans, titled Raiders of the Civil War, viewers are taken on an underwater journey to explore the impact of the American Civil War on the maritime landscape. Using cutting-edge technology and stunning visuals, the show reveals how battles, blockades, and raids during this historic conflict left their mark on the ocean's floor.

From the eastern seaboard to the Gulf of Mexico, the episode showcases the remains of Civil War-era artillery, sunken ships, and underwater wreckage that had a lasting impact on America's naval history. Along the way, viewers learn about the innovative submarine that helped turn the tide of the war, the CSS H.L. Hunley, which was lost for over a century before being discovered in 1995.

But the episode isn't just about military history. It also takes a deep dive into the fascinating stories of the civilian vessels that were caught up in the conflict, like the Mary Celestia, a Bermuda-built ship that was carrying a cargo of wine and spirits when it was intercepted by Union forces. The ship's remains have been perfectly preserved in the salty waters of Bermuda's reefs, providing a unique snapshot of life during the 1860s.

As the episode progresses, viewers see how the Civil War's impact on marine life is still felt today. The show explores the eerie existence of "ghost nets," abandoned fishing gear that continues to ensnare marine animals long after it's been left behind. These nets are a legacy of the Civil War-era blockade that forced Confederate fishing boats to resort to desperate measures, laying their nets in shallow waters or around reefs.

The episode also reveals how the war's aftermath has played out over the past century and a half. The show's diver team explores the eerie remains of the SS Republic, a sidewheel steamship that sank in a hurricane off the coast of Georgia in 1865. The ship was discovered in the early 2000s filled with treasure, including gold coins and other artifacts that provide a glimpse into the Civil War's impact on the economy and commerce.

Throughout, Drain the Oceans season 3 episode 8 - Raiders of the Civil War - uses state-of-the-art technology to give viewers a fascinating look into the past. High-definition sonar imagery reveals long-lost shipwrecks hidden beneath sandy bottoms, while computer-generated images show viewers what these vessels might have looked like before they met their watery fate.

Above all, the episode highlights how the ocean is a unique repository of history, holding a wealth of stories that might otherwise be lost to time. From naval battles to trading vessels, the Civil War's impact on the maritime landscape is still felt today, making Raiders of the Civil War an essential watch for history buffs and ocean lovers alike.