Antarctica is Earth’s southernmost continent where the geographic South Pole is located. The frozen desert is home to some 1,000 scientists who live in the blistering conditions that reach -90C at times, as they attempt to understand more about the history of Earth and climate change. Last week, Sir David – the legendary BBC presenter – took viewers to the icy continent for the first episode of his new series.
At the end of the programme, the 93-year-old revealed how the team battled gruelling conditions to capture the amazing scenes on camera.
Cameramen Rolf Steinmann and Mark MacEwen were then seen struggling during a 10-day voyage across the Southern Ocean to reach the isolated St Andrews Bay.
Sir David said: “St Andrews Bay provided one of the most spectacular sights in the whole of the Antarctic.
“But to get there, the team have to cross the roughest sea in the world, and nerves are starting to show.
“It’ll take 10 days at sea to reach this remote location and it’s not long before they start to feel a bit green.
“With these conditions lasting days, all who come have to take shifts at the helm.
“Below deck, Rolf hasn’t yet found his sea legs.
“The island off South Georgia finally appears and it’s a relief to step onto solid ground.”
Mr Steinmann was stunned after making land.
READ MORE: How NASA satellite spotted ‘puzzling’ discovery emerging from ice
“And Mark must capture the elephant seals’ intense mating season.
“On such a crowded beach, fights can break out anywhere.
“Males are up to six metres long and they are pumped full of testosterone.”
Sir David previously revealed why he is still making documentaries at his age.
He said: “We are now universal, our influence is everywhere.
“We have it in our hands to save the world, and we have made a tragic, desperate mess of it so far.
“Nations are coming together and recognising we all live on the same planet and we are dependent on it for every mouthful of food we eat and every breath of air we take.
“And making programmes like this, I’ve been doing it for a long time, and I’m sure a hell of a lot of young people are saying, ‘For God’s sake, why doesn’t he move over? Give another person a chance’, but, anyway, there I am.”
Sir David also claimed he still gets the same buzz from making documentaries and hopes it will inspire others.
He explained: “It is extraordinary.
“At the time people thought we were cranks but suddenly, after Blue Planet II, you hit the right note.
“I’m thrilled that we’re about to share this incredible series with the world.
“Seven Worlds, One Planet celebrates the variety of life on our planet while also shining a spotlight on its challenges.”
The second episode of Seven Worlds, One Planet was aired on BBC One on Sunday, November 3, at 6.15pm.
Viewers can now catch up with each instalment in Ultra-High-Definition (UHD) on BBC iPlayer.
