DIVING UNDER THE ARCTIC ICE

filming in the world’s most hostile environments

FILMED IN temperatures ranging from -35 to 46 degrees Celsius

To capture stories across the entire ocean, our team embarked on a global journey, venturing to the most remote and challenging environments. One of the Arctic Ocean team's key missions was to explore the hidden realms beneath the Arctic sea ice near Tasiilaq, East Greenland, a rarely visited, frozen wilderness. Each spring, planktonic life flourishes, attracting jelly drifters. Recent scientific discoveries reveal that comb jellies might be the oldest animal group still alive today, predating even dinosaurs.

In April, when Tasiilaq’s fjords remain encased in ice, Assistant Producer Alex Fennell, Our Oceans series Director of Photography Roger Horrocks, and safety diver Alex Benedik collaborated with Greenland-based expedition outfit Northern Explorers to film these ancient sea creatures and bring their marvels to our screens. But it required going to extremes. The team reached the dive sites via snowmobile, navigating through the frozen landscape. Accessing their portal to the underwater world was through triangular man made holes, cut through the ice.

Triangular shapes, rather than round, allowed easier entry and exit for Roger and Alex. Working conditions were formidable: the frigid waters maintained a bone-chilling temperature of -28.5°F. Owing to its high salinity, the water could remain liquid even at sub-zero conditions. Local hunter Julius Nielson, integral to the shoot for his expertise in the harsh Arctic environment, and Alex Fennell teamed up to tend the divers from the surface. With Roger and Alex Benedik tethered to the surface team by lines, they ventured into the icy depths. The tethers ensured a constant connection was maintained with the divers to safety above. Julius diligently safeguarded the vital exit points, making sure the holes did not ice up while the divers were below.

Above the icy expanse, the surface presents a featureless, flat, white terrain. However, beneath the surface, an enchanting realm unfurls. Here, the ice assumes otherworldly sculptures and formations, casting an array of refracted rays as sunlight filters through. The team unveiled a mesmerizing macrocosm, pulsating with life. Comb jellies, illuminated in the divers’ spotlight, refracted a rainbow of colors through their tiny finger-like cilia, while swimming sea slugs - known as sea angels - serenely floated through the water. The Arctic’s hidden wonders await those willing to brave its frozen depths!