Nathan Morley recently appeared in Legends of the Deep, a documentary series led by Jean-Michel Cousteau and his children, Fabien and Celine. The series embarks on a gripping journey to uncover some of the ocean’s most enduring mysteries, revisiting investigations first undertaken by Jean-Michel’s legendary father, Jacques Cousteau.
The episode, Legends of the Deep: Zenobia, explores the mysterious sinking of the MS Zenobia, a Swedish roll-on/roll-off ferry that capsized off the coast of Larnaca, Cyprus, on its maiden voyage in June 1980. The vessel developed a critical list due to a malfunction in its computerized ballast tank system, ultimately leading to its demise.
But the documentary goes further, delving into persistent theories that the sinking may have been an act of sabotage. Fabien and Celine Cousteau investigate claims that Israeli and British intelligence services orchestrated the disaster to prevent a shipment of military equipment—allegedly destined for the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO)—from reaching its final destination. The ship’s route, which began in Yugoslavia and was bound for Syria, adds weight to the theory, given the PLO’s known presence and training in both countries at the time.
Nathan joins the team as they examine archival material. Resting 42 metres below the surface, the Zenobia has become a magnet for divers and historians alike, its cargo of lorries, electronics, and even intact crates of eggs offering a haunting glimpse into Cold War-era maritime intrigue.
The episode, part of a four-part mini-series, aired on Discovery’s Science Channel and has drawn international attention for its bold exploration of espionage, geopolitics, and underwater archaeology.
