Ep 5. Ghost Net

Sea Patrol season 3 episode 5, titled Ghost Net, follows the crew of the HMAS Hammersley as they encounter a ghost net in Australian waters. The net, which has broken free from a fishing trawler, is drifting aimlessly through the sea, and it poses a huge threat to marine life, including dolphins and turtles.

The crew of the HMAS Hammersley receive a call from a local marine conservation organisation, alerting them to the presence of the ghost net. They are tasked with locating the net and removing it from the water before it causes any damage to the environment.

Upon arrival at the scene, the crew of the HMAS Hammersley quickly realise the magnitude of the problem. The ghost net is huge and tangled, with multiple entangled sea creatures inside it. The crew work together, using their training and expertise to free the trapped animals and cut away the tangled net.

While removing the ghost net, the crew of the HMAS Hammersley notice that a fishing trawler is sitting on the edge of Australian waters. They investigate the vessel and discover that it is responsible for the ghost net that they are trying to remove. The trawler's net has been cut loose, and it is clear that the crew have no intention of retrieving it.

The HMAS Hammersley's crew confront the trawler's captain and demand that they take responsibility for their actions. The captain is reluctant to admit any wrongdoing and argues that the lost net is a common occurrence in the fishing industry. However, the crew of the HMAS Hammersley remain firm in their stance and insist that the trawler retrieve the ghost net, to prevent further damage to marine life.

As tensions between the two vessels escalate, a foreign vessel enters the scene, and the HMAS Hammersley's crew notice that it is also fishing illegally in Australian waters. The crew go into full alert mode and prepare for a showdown with the foreign vessel.

Meanwhile, the wildlife rescue team on the HMAS Hammersley work around the clock to remove all the trapped marine animals from the ghost net. The team faces several challenges, including an injured turtle that needs immediate medical attention and a pod of dolphins that refuse to stray away from the boat.

As the crisis on the water deepens, the crew of the HMAS Hammersley focus their efforts on protecting marine life and preventing any further damage. The challenges they face are immense, and the situation becomes increasingly complex as they battle to protect the environment and uphold their values as responsible Australian sailors.

Overall, Ghost Net is a thrilling and action-packed episode of Sea Patrol that focuses on the importance of marine conservation and the need to protect Australia's waters from illegal fishing practices. The episode is a testament to the bravery and dedication of the HMAS Hammersley's crew and their commitment to upholding Australia's laws and preserving its natural resources.