Watch Search for the Battleship Bismarck

The National Geographic TV documentary series "Search for the Battleship Bismarck" aired in 1989 and explored the quest of a team of maritime archaeologists and researchers to locate and document the wreckage of the German battleship Bismarck, which sank in the Atlantic Ocean during World War II.

The show is presented as a mix of archival footage, expert commentary, interviews with eyewitnesses and survivors, and dramatic reconstructions of key events. The narrative is divided into several parts, each focusing on a different aspect of the search and the history of the Bismarck.

The first part provides a brief overview of the Bismarck's career and the circumstances of its sinking. The Bismarck was one of the largest and most powerful battleships of its time, launched by Germany in 1940. In 1941, the Bismarck and another German battleship, the Prinz Eugen, set out to disrupt Allied shipping in the Atlantic. After sinking the British battleship HMS Hood and damaging several other ships, the Bismarck was eventually hunted down and sunk by British forces.

The second part of the show focuses on the initial search for the Bismarck, which was conducted by British ships and planes after the sinking. The search, however, was hampered by bad weather and the lack of accurate information about the Bismarck's last known position. Several false leads and sightings were reported, but no wreckage was found.

The third part covers the beginning of the modern search for the Bismarck, which started in the late 1970s. The show introduces several key figures who played a role in the search, including oceanographer Robert Ballard, who had previously discovered the sunken Titanic. The search relied on new technology such as underwater robots, which were able to explore deep sea areas that had previously been inaccessible.

The fourth and fifth parts of the show focus on the actual search for the Bismarck. The team uses a combination of sonar, magnetometers, and other instruments to locate possible wreckage sites, before sending underwater robots to explore the areas in detail. The footage from these underwater explorations is some of the most compelling and dramatic in the show, with eerie shots of the sunken ship's twisted metal hull and scattered debris.

Throughout the show, the team also discusses the historical significance of the Bismarck and its sinking. The Bismarck was seen as a symbol of Germany's military might and nationalism, and its sinking was a major propaganda victory for the Allies. However, the human cost of the battle was also high, with over 2,000 German sailors losing their lives.

Overall, "Search for the Battleship Bismarck" is a well-produced and informative exploration of one of the most famous naval battles of World War II. It provides both an overview of the historical context and a detailed account of the modern search for the wreckage, making it a fascinating watch for anyone interested in maritime history or archaeology.