Ep 11. Chinese Whispers

Sea Patrol season 1 episode 11, titled "Chinese Whispers," is a gripping episode that centers around a fishing trawler named "The Golden Sunrise" that has gone missing in the Arafura Sea. The HMAS Hammersley is dispatched to find the missing vessel and its crew. However, their search results in a series of unexpected events, beginning with a suspicious trawler that they see, which turns out to be a decoy for a Chinese warship that is conducting illegal fishing activity in the area.

The episode opens with Mike (Ian Stenlake) and Buffer (David Lyons) onboard a fishing trawler stopped for a random check for illegal activity. As they continue on their route, they come across what appears to be a suspicious vessel with its identification numbers erased. After boarding the vessel, they realize that it is a decoy for a Chinese warship, and engage in tense negotiations with the ship's captain, who speaks little English.

Meanwhile, on the Hammersley, CO Glenn "Swain" Cleary (John Batchelor) is informed of a missing fishing trawler named "The Golden Sunrise," and he orders the team to search for the vessel. The crew searches the vast ocean, and eventually, they come across an area of debris that appears to be from the missing trawler. They continue their search and rescue mission, encountering unforeseen dangers along the way, including a pod of aggressive dolphins. They also receive an unexpected assist from the Chinese warship, and quickly realize that there is more to the Chinese warship than meets the eye.

In the midst of all this action, the crew also faces challenges on a personal level. Nikki (Kirsty Lee Allan) and ET (Matthew Holmes) deal with the fallout of their relationship, while Kate (Lisa McCune) struggles to keep her emotions in check after a recent argument with Dutchy (Steve Bisley).

"Chinese Whispers" is a suspenseful episode that highlights the dangers that patrol teams face while protecting the waters from illegal activity. The episode is well-paced and keeps viewers engaged from start to finish, with plenty of action scenes that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. It also provides an insider look into the personal lives of the team members and their struggles, which adds depth and character to the show. Overall, "Chinese Whispers" is a memorable episode that highlights the important work of Australia's Sea Patrol and the challenges they face while at sea.