1
00:00:01,402 --> 00:00:04,370
Gates: On this episode
of "expedition x..."
2
00:00:04,372 --> 00:00:06,305
Whoo.
Whoo-hoo-hoo.
3
00:00:06,307 --> 00:00:08,540
Alright, champ!
See what you got!
4
00:00:08,542 --> 00:00:10,476
...Phil and jess
investigate reports
5
00:00:10,478 --> 00:00:13,045
Of a giant lake monster...
6
00:00:13,047 --> 00:00:14,813
The thing looked long
as my boat.
7
00:00:14,815 --> 00:00:17,049
...Said to inhabit
the murky abyss
8
00:00:17,051 --> 00:00:19,451
Of vermont's lake champlain.
9
00:00:19,453 --> 00:00:22,688
It was unlike anything
I've ever seen before.
10
00:00:22,690 --> 00:00:25,758
Is it a massive fish...
[ gasps ]
11
00:00:25,760 --> 00:00:28,427
Something's definitely
trying to eat the light!
12
00:00:28,429 --> 00:00:31,964
...A prehistoric beast
lost to science...
13
00:00:31,966 --> 00:00:33,032
Chobot: Look at this.
14
00:00:33,034 --> 00:00:35,734
I mean, this thing
must've weighed a ton.
15
00:00:35,736 --> 00:00:38,437
...Or something
even more dangerous?
16
00:00:38,439 --> 00:00:41,440
I'm seeing something.
Wait, wait, wait.
17
00:00:41,442 --> 00:00:43,008
There's something in there.
18
00:00:45,980 --> 00:00:49,048
Chobot: The visibility
is so bad.
19
00:00:49,050 --> 00:00:51,016
♪♪
20
00:00:54,055 --> 00:00:55,387
Phil!
21
00:00:55,389 --> 00:00:57,956
America's lake monster.
22
00:00:57,958 --> 00:01:00,559
My name is josh gates.
23
00:01:00,561 --> 00:01:05,130
In my travels, I've experienced
strange things that defy logic
24
00:01:05,132 --> 00:01:07,433
And made me question everything.
25
00:01:07,435 --> 00:01:09,134
Oh, my god.
26
00:01:09,136 --> 00:01:10,969
Now I've put together a team
27
00:01:10,971 --> 00:01:14,306
To investigate the stranger side
of the unknown.
28
00:01:14,308 --> 00:01:16,508
Let's go!
29
00:01:16,510 --> 00:01:20,612
Phil torres is a scientist who
hunts for rational explanations.
30
00:01:24,085 --> 00:01:26,485
Jessica chobot's
paranormal research
31
00:01:26,487 --> 00:01:28,687
Has made her a true believer.
32
00:01:28,689 --> 00:01:29,922
Phil, do you see that?
33
00:01:29,924 --> 00:01:31,256
I just saw
something run across.
34
00:01:31,258 --> 00:01:33,225
Together we're searching
for answers...
35
00:01:33,227 --> 00:01:35,060
What is that?
36
00:01:35,062 --> 00:01:38,630
...To the world's
most extraordinary mysteries.
37
00:01:38,632 --> 00:01:41,533
This is "expedition x."
38
00:01:41,535 --> 00:01:43,902
-- Captions by vitac --
www.Vitac.Com
39
00:01:43,904 --> 00:01:46,271
Captions paid for by
discovery communications
40
00:01:46,273 --> 00:01:48,607
Alright, phil, jess,
I don't need to tell you
41
00:01:48,609 --> 00:01:51,743
How difficult it is
to capture photographic evidence
42
00:01:51,745 --> 00:01:53,245
Of some of these
strange things
43
00:01:53,247 --> 00:01:54,813
That I send you
to investigate.
44
00:01:54,815 --> 00:01:56,682
Well, josh, it can be hard
to photograph things
45
00:01:56,684 --> 00:01:58,083
That aren't there.
[ chuckles ]
46
00:01:58,085 --> 00:02:00,252
That's not very nice.
[ chuckles ]
47
00:02:00,254 --> 00:02:03,522
Just because something's elusive
doesn't mean it doesn't exist.
48
00:02:03,524 --> 00:02:05,491
Look, phil, I'm with you
a lot of the time, right,
49
00:02:05,493 --> 00:02:07,392
But there is one
very famous photo
50
00:02:07,394 --> 00:02:08,827
That I want
to talk about today.
51
00:02:08,829 --> 00:02:13,332
It was taken by a woman named
sandra mansi in vermont in 1977,
52
00:02:13,334 --> 00:02:16,101
The mansi photo!
The very same. Here it is.
53
00:02:16,103 --> 00:02:19,738
It depicts what many people
believe is the head and neck
54
00:02:19,740 --> 00:02:21,240
Of some sort
of very large creature
55
00:02:21,242 --> 00:02:23,976
Protruding from the surface
of lake champlain.
56
00:02:23,978 --> 00:02:26,345
This thing is legendary.
Even I've seen this before.
57
00:02:26,347 --> 00:02:28,580
Yeah, well, I mean, it's famous
for a good reason.
58
00:02:28,582 --> 00:02:30,949
This thing has held up
to academic scrutiny
59
00:02:30,951 --> 00:02:32,651
For well over 40 years.
60
00:02:32,653 --> 00:02:34,386
And if I'm remembering
correctly,
61
00:02:34,388 --> 00:02:36,088
The university of arizona
62
00:02:36,090 --> 00:02:38,924
Actually put it through
a computer analysis
63
00:02:38,926 --> 00:02:41,160
And deemed
that it was authentic.
64
00:02:41,162 --> 00:02:43,762
Well, they proved that the photo
wasn't doctored.
65
00:02:43,764 --> 00:02:45,898
Right.
Yes, it's not a forgery,
66
00:02:45,900 --> 00:02:49,101
But as to what's in the photo,
that is still up for debate.
67
00:02:49,103 --> 00:02:51,236
Well,
it's the lake monster, josh.
68
00:02:51,238 --> 00:02:53,305
It's obvious.
It's obvious.
69
00:02:53,307 --> 00:02:55,440
There's no question
it's a compelling legend.
70
00:02:55,442 --> 00:02:58,544
But the story of the creature
that people called champ
71
00:02:58,546 --> 00:03:01,413
Started way before
this photo was taken.
72
00:03:05,052 --> 00:03:07,619
Gates: The recorded history of
champ sightings dates back
73
00:03:07,621 --> 00:03:10,989
To the 1700s
when the native abenaki tribe
74
00:03:10,991 --> 00:03:14,493
Warns french explorers
about a serpent-like creature,
75
00:03:14,495 --> 00:03:17,763
Gitaskog, that inhabits lake
champlain.
76
00:03:17,765 --> 00:03:20,999
But the legend really takes off
in 1819
77
00:03:21,001 --> 00:03:23,202
When a man known as captain crum
78
00:03:23,204 --> 00:03:25,571
Reports seeing a monstrous beast
79
00:03:25,573 --> 00:03:29,007
Raising its massive head
out of the water.
80
00:03:29,009 --> 00:03:32,811
Subsequent sightings in the
1800s include a railroad crew
81
00:03:32,813 --> 00:03:36,114
Who see an enormous serpent
with silvery scales,
82
00:03:36,116 --> 00:03:40,018
A local sheriff who swears he
encounters a snake-like creature
83
00:03:40,020 --> 00:03:43,989
About 30 feet long,
and, the most intriguing report,
84
00:03:43,991 --> 00:03:47,492
A mass sighting
on the steamship w.B. Eddy
85
00:03:47,494 --> 00:03:50,963
When at least 100 passengers
and crew watch as the craft
86
00:03:50,965 --> 00:03:55,801
Supposedly runs into the animal
and nearly capsizes.
87
00:03:55,803 --> 00:04:00,539
Then there's the famous mansi
photo taken in 1977.
88
00:04:00,541 --> 00:04:03,675
In 1999, an image analysis
is conducted,
89
00:04:03,677 --> 00:04:07,279
And it's proclaimed that the
mansi photograph is genuine,
90
00:04:07,281 --> 00:04:09,848
One of the few pieces
of compelling evidence
91
00:04:09,850 --> 00:04:14,052
For an unknown animal
in any lake in the world.
92
00:04:14,054 --> 00:04:16,355
Champ sightings
have continued to this day,
93
00:04:16,357 --> 00:04:20,959
With more than 300
alleged incidents and rising.
94
00:04:20,961 --> 00:04:23,028
The lake borders new york
and vermont
95
00:04:23,030 --> 00:04:25,597
And both states
have taken unprecedented acts
96
00:04:25,599 --> 00:04:29,668
To legally protect
this mysterious animal.
97
00:04:29,670 --> 00:04:34,306
Whatever the truth is, champ
isn't going away any time soon.
98
00:04:34,308 --> 00:04:36,475
Believers speculate the champ
could be anything
99
00:04:36,477 --> 00:04:39,511
From the descendant
of an ancient whale
100
00:04:39,513 --> 00:04:42,481
To a relative
of the prehistoric plesiosaur
101
00:04:42,483 --> 00:04:45,517
Or even some other
as yet unidentified creature
102
00:04:45,519 --> 00:04:47,653
Of monstrous proportions.
103
00:04:50,924 --> 00:04:53,091
Alright, jess,
I take it you approve.
104
00:04:53,093 --> 00:04:54,793
I approve this message.
105
00:04:54,795 --> 00:04:57,429
I think it is
super smart of the legislators
106
00:04:57,431 --> 00:04:59,665
To protect the thing
before they lose it.
107
00:04:59,667 --> 00:05:02,701
And look, there is some
precedent here for this, right?
108
00:05:02,703 --> 00:05:04,770
I mean,
take the megamouth shark --
109
00:05:04,772 --> 00:05:06,405
Real animal, huge animal,
110
00:05:06,407 --> 00:05:08,473
Wasn't discovered
until the late '70s.
111
00:05:08,475 --> 00:05:09,908
Sure,
and you also have these cases
112
00:05:09,910 --> 00:05:11,643
Of what are known
as lazarus species.
113
00:05:11,645 --> 00:05:13,612
They're animals that were
presumed to be extinct
114
00:05:13,614 --> 00:05:14,946
During the fossil record,
115
00:05:14,948 --> 00:05:16,748
Then they reappear
in modern times.
116
00:05:16,750 --> 00:05:19,951
One example is the
rat squirrel -- real thing.
117
00:05:19,953 --> 00:05:21,219
-Really?
-Yeah.
118
00:05:21,221 --> 00:05:24,289
And it was thought to be extinct
for 11 million years
119
00:05:24,291 --> 00:05:27,959
Before being rediscovered
in laos in 1996.
120
00:05:27,961 --> 00:05:29,761
I feel like phil's
making my point
121
00:05:29,763 --> 00:05:31,496
That this thing
could be real.
122
00:05:31,498 --> 00:05:34,800
I'm not saying
it's not possible.
123
00:05:34,802 --> 00:05:37,636
I'm just saying we have to go
through the scientific process
124
00:05:37,638 --> 00:05:40,038
To really prove this.
We got to find a live specimen.
125
00:05:40,040 --> 00:05:42,174
Now may be
the best time to do that.
126
00:05:42,176 --> 00:05:44,976
You know, with these recent
sightings, credible sightings,
127
00:05:44,978 --> 00:05:46,378
I think you should
go to vermont,
128
00:05:46,380 --> 00:05:49,648
Try to meet these eyewitnesses,
figure out what they really saw,
129
00:05:49,650 --> 00:05:52,050
Get out on lake champlain,
get in lake champlain, you know,
130
00:05:52,052 --> 00:05:55,220
See if you can come face-to-face
with whatever that is.
131
00:05:55,222 --> 00:05:57,289
Sounds good to me.
Jess, what you think?
132
00:05:57,291 --> 00:05:59,791
Let's catch a lake monster.
133
00:05:59,793 --> 00:06:02,594
Gates:
It's just a five-hour drive
north from new york city
134
00:06:02,596 --> 00:06:04,196
To burlington, vermont,
135
00:06:04,198 --> 00:06:06,832
And the rumored home
of a leviathan.
136
00:06:09,103 --> 00:06:11,737
There's been so many reports
here of champ.
137
00:06:11,739 --> 00:06:13,939
So like, what's the thing
that's living in the lake?
138
00:06:13,941 --> 00:06:16,842
Maybe it's just a known species
of fish
139
00:06:16,844 --> 00:06:19,411
That gets particularly huge.
140
00:06:19,413 --> 00:06:22,280
Or is it actually
an ancient dinosaur
141
00:06:22,282 --> 00:06:24,683
Or something that
kind of got lake locked
142
00:06:24,685 --> 00:06:27,085
And has managed
to adapt and live?
143
00:06:27,087 --> 00:06:28,787
Maybe there is still something
in this lake...
144
00:06:28,789 --> 00:06:30,222
Together:
...Waiting to be found.
145
00:06:30,224 --> 00:06:32,391
...Or it's something
that is known
146
00:06:32,393 --> 00:06:35,127
That just keeps
getting misidentified over time.
147
00:06:35,129 --> 00:06:37,462
Just seems weird that we have
a foot in each other's theories.
148
00:06:37,464 --> 00:06:39,598
Like, I feel like that
actually gives us a chance
149
00:06:39,600 --> 00:06:41,566
To potentially solve this thing.
Totally.
150
00:06:41,568 --> 00:06:44,102
There's obviously
something in the water.
151
00:06:46,106 --> 00:06:48,340
Oh, pull over here.
Pull over here.
152
00:06:48,342 --> 00:06:50,075
Chobot:
As we pull into champ territory,
153
00:06:50,077 --> 00:06:53,545
I see the perfect spot
to begin our search.
154
00:06:53,547 --> 00:06:54,613
Alright, come on.
155
00:06:54,615 --> 00:06:56,681
You can't investigate
a legendary photo
156
00:06:56,683 --> 00:06:59,985
Of a lake monster without
taking a few of your own.
157
00:06:59,987 --> 00:07:01,186
What?
What do you mean "what?"
158
00:07:01,188 --> 00:07:02,187
Take a picture.
159
00:07:02,189 --> 00:07:05,023
[ camera shutter clicking ]
160
00:07:05,025 --> 00:07:07,626
Nice. You done?
[ camera shutter clicks ]
161
00:07:07,628 --> 00:07:09,928
Not done. Okay.
162
00:07:09,930 --> 00:07:11,930
Ooh, the swim. Nice.
163
00:07:11,932 --> 00:07:14,166
[ camera shutter clicks ]
164
00:07:14,168 --> 00:07:15,767
Nailed it.
[ camera shutter clicks ]
165
00:07:18,439 --> 00:07:20,305
Torres: Now that we're
officially in champ's domain,
166
00:07:20,307 --> 00:07:22,040
We continue north to carry bay
167
00:07:22,042 --> 00:07:24,743
To meet with eyewitness
kyle cortiana.
168
00:07:24,745 --> 00:07:26,144
I'm actually excited
to meet kyle.
169
00:07:26,146 --> 00:07:27,746
I mean,
he's a pro fisherman.
170
00:07:27,748 --> 00:07:30,148
And if he thinks he's seen
something,
171
00:07:30,150 --> 00:07:32,451
That's pretty good
evidence,
172
00:07:32,453 --> 00:07:33,485
Got to say.
Yeah.
173
00:07:37,958 --> 00:07:39,991
Kyle's been fishing
since the age of 3
174
00:07:39,993 --> 00:07:42,828
And has since gone pro,
reeling in trophy bass
175
00:07:42,830 --> 00:07:45,096
On the fishing league
world wide pro circuit
176
00:07:45,098 --> 00:07:47,065
For the last four years.
177
00:07:47,067 --> 00:07:50,068
And just recently,
kyle spotted and filmed
178
00:07:50,070 --> 00:07:52,771
A massive object
in lake champlain,
179
00:07:52,773 --> 00:07:55,740
Something of incomprehensible
size that he believes
180
00:07:55,742 --> 00:07:57,175
Was the famous champ.
181
00:07:57,177 --> 00:07:58,777
Kyle.
Hi, kyle.
182
00:07:58,779 --> 00:07:59,878
How's it going?
Good.
183
00:07:59,880 --> 00:08:01,813
How are you?
Doing pretty good.
184
00:08:01,815 --> 00:08:04,516
Now, my understanding is you've
got one heck of a champ story.
185
00:08:04,518 --> 00:08:05,884
I do.
I have quite the story.
186
00:08:05,886 --> 00:08:08,253
I was here fishing for
a professional bass tournament.
187
00:08:08,255 --> 00:08:10,121
I was coming back in
and it was last light,
188
00:08:10,123 --> 00:08:11,723
And I was coming back
through an area.
189
00:08:11,725 --> 00:08:14,125
There was no wind.
It was dead calm.
190
00:08:14,127 --> 00:08:16,361
And I was actually on the phone
with my father
191
00:08:16,363 --> 00:08:21,132
And told my dad, I was like,
"think I'm seeing this monster."
192
00:08:21,134 --> 00:08:23,034
Kind of in disbelief.
193
00:08:23,036 --> 00:08:25,203
There were times where the thing
looked long as my boat,
194
00:08:25,205 --> 00:08:27,706
And it looked like a log,
but the thing was moving.
195
00:08:29,576 --> 00:08:32,577
And I got off the phone and I
started recording footage of it.
196
00:08:34,581 --> 00:08:36,281
And I actually went past
the object,
197
00:08:36,283 --> 00:08:39,918
And when I circled back around,
it actually allowed me to see it
198
00:08:39,920 --> 00:08:42,320
Because before,
the water was flat,
199
00:08:42,322 --> 00:08:43,722
Then when the waves hit it,
200
00:08:43,724 --> 00:08:46,491
The object started to show
itself in between the waves.
201
00:08:46,493 --> 00:08:48,260
I was like,
"am I really seeing this?"
202
00:08:48,262 --> 00:08:49,794
And at some point,
did it go under?
203
00:08:49,796 --> 00:08:52,364
It did. It went under
right in front of the camera.
204
00:08:54,968 --> 00:08:57,469
So you have like a video
or tape of this thing?
205
00:08:57,471 --> 00:08:59,437
Yeah, I sure do.
I have it on my phone.
206
00:08:59,439 --> 00:09:01,072
Here it is right here.
I'll let you guys watch it.
207
00:09:01,074 --> 00:09:02,874
Thanks.
208
00:09:02,876 --> 00:09:06,177
Oh, wow.
That does long.
209
00:09:06,179 --> 00:09:07,879
I mean,
that's something huge.
210
00:09:07,881 --> 00:09:12,984
♪♪
211
00:09:12,986 --> 00:09:17,355
Wow, that definitely is
something big in the water.
212
00:09:17,357 --> 00:09:18,957
So I'm guessing
as a professional fisherman,
213
00:09:18,959 --> 00:09:21,493
You've been to countless lakes,
rivers, streams,
214
00:09:21,495 --> 00:09:25,297
Ponds, everywhere, and you've
never seen anything like this.
215
00:09:25,299 --> 00:09:26,831
Never seen anything
like it.
216
00:09:26,833 --> 00:09:29,367
Are there any types of fish
that could get that big
217
00:09:29,369 --> 00:09:31,169
That live in this lake
in the deep parts?
218
00:09:31,171 --> 00:09:32,938
Now, the biggest fish
that I'm aware of that's in here
219
00:09:32,940 --> 00:09:34,673
Is a sturgeon.
220
00:09:34,675 --> 00:09:38,009
Torres:
There are more than 90 species
of fish in lake champlain,
221
00:09:38,011 --> 00:09:41,212
But the sturgeon is the
undisputed heavyweight champion,
222
00:09:41,214 --> 00:09:45,750
Growing to over 8 feet long
and 300 pounds.
223
00:09:45,752 --> 00:09:48,086
But kyle's convinced
that what he captured on camera
224
00:09:48,088 --> 00:09:51,990
Could swallow
a giant sturgeon whole.
225
00:09:51,992 --> 00:09:53,458
I'm an engineer
by trade, as well,
226
00:09:53,460 --> 00:09:56,628
So I've tried to scale
the wave distances and
get measurements,
227
00:09:56,630 --> 00:09:58,630
And it's questionably
as long as my boat --
228
00:09:58,632 --> 00:09:59,664
Which over 20 feet.
229
00:09:59,666 --> 00:10:01,800
I watched
my own video over and over,
230
00:10:01,802 --> 00:10:05,337
And I just can't come up
with something that makes sense.
231
00:10:05,339 --> 00:10:07,973
It's clear as day that you ran
into something weird out there.
232
00:10:07,975 --> 00:10:10,308
A million percent.
233
00:10:10,310 --> 00:10:13,144
If you wouldn't mind, I mean,
we'd love to get out to the spot
234
00:10:13,146 --> 00:10:14,479
Where you actually saw this.
You bet.
235
00:10:14,481 --> 00:10:16,381
Yeah, I'll be happy
to take you guys out there.
236
00:10:16,383 --> 00:10:18,516
I got another tournament,
so I can't stick around long,
237
00:10:18,518 --> 00:10:20,051
But I'll be happy
to show you where it happened.
238
00:10:20,053 --> 00:10:21,353
Okay, perfect.
Perfect.
239
00:10:24,825 --> 00:10:28,760
Chobot: Kyle leads us to where
he had his sighting...
240
00:10:28,762 --> 00:10:31,329
Pretty rough out here today!
Oh, yeah!
241
00:10:31,331 --> 00:10:33,932
Chobot: ...And we finally get
a sense of how big
242
00:10:33,934 --> 00:10:36,001
This lake really is.
243
00:10:36,003 --> 00:10:39,003
Lake champlain
is 120 miles long,
244
00:10:39,005 --> 00:10:40,972
Up to 400 feet deep,
245
00:10:40,974 --> 00:10:45,010
And was briefly considered
to be the sixth great lake.
246
00:10:45,012 --> 00:10:48,246
There ever was a place for an
elusive lake monster to survive,
247
00:10:48,248 --> 00:10:49,314
This is it.
248
00:10:49,316 --> 00:10:51,549
Whoo.
Whoo-hoo-hoo.
249
00:10:51,551 --> 00:10:53,752
Alright, champ!
See what you got!
250
00:10:53,754 --> 00:11:01,693
♪♪
251
00:11:01,695 --> 00:11:03,228
So this is the spot,
huh?!
252
00:11:05,365 --> 00:11:07,465
Yeah, this is the spot!
It's where I saw him!
253
00:11:07,467 --> 00:11:10,602
Perfect.
254
00:11:10,604 --> 00:11:12,370
Think we're gonna try to spend
a couple hours
255
00:11:12,372 --> 00:11:14,039
And see what we can find!
256
00:11:14,041 --> 00:11:15,240
Good luck!
Hope you find him!
257
00:11:15,242 --> 00:11:17,108
Okay, thanks!
I'll let you know!
258
00:11:17,110 --> 00:11:18,476
Please do!
259
00:11:18,478 --> 00:11:28,486
♪♪
260
00:11:28,488 --> 00:11:31,856
Chobot: Kyle's recent sighting
took place in this area.
261
00:11:31,858 --> 00:11:34,693
There's about 350 feet
of murky water
262
00:11:34,695 --> 00:11:37,562
Between us
and the lake bed below,
263
00:11:37,564 --> 00:11:40,432
Easily enough habitat
to hide a giant.
264
00:11:40,434 --> 00:11:45,637
♪♪
265
00:11:45,639 --> 00:11:48,707
Even though the sun starts
to drift below the horizon,
266
00:11:48,709 --> 00:11:51,843
We came prepared for
an all-night investigation.
267
00:11:53,346 --> 00:11:56,948
He might be nocturnal,
so we might just not be out yet.
268
00:11:56,950 --> 00:11:58,950
You know,
I'll take that theory.
269
00:11:58,952 --> 00:12:01,186
Like there
are animals like squid
270
00:12:01,188 --> 00:12:03,221
Will spend day
in deep waters,
271
00:12:03,223 --> 00:12:05,256
And then at night,
they come up to feed.
272
00:12:05,258 --> 00:12:07,726
Yeah, I've always liked the idea
that, you know,
273
00:12:07,728 --> 00:12:10,061
Maybe it's
an ancient plesiosaur
274
00:12:10,063 --> 00:12:12,931
That had to adapt
to a new way of life.
275
00:12:12,933 --> 00:12:14,933
But that doesn't
necessarily mean
276
00:12:14,935 --> 00:12:17,936
That there is
a plesiosaur living in here
277
00:12:17,938 --> 00:12:22,407
Because plesiosaurs went extinct
like 60, 70 million years ago.
278
00:12:22,409 --> 00:12:24,275
You said it yourself before.
279
00:12:24,277 --> 00:12:25,710
What about all those stories
280
00:12:25,712 --> 00:12:28,046
About animals
that people thought were extinct
281
00:12:28,048 --> 00:12:29,414
And then they find it?
Yeah.
282
00:12:29,416 --> 00:12:32,550
So why couldn't
they find a champ?
283
00:12:34,588 --> 00:12:38,389
Gates:
While rediscovering a living,
breathing, prehistoric creature
284
00:12:38,391 --> 00:12:41,659
Such as the plesiosaur
sounds like a tall order,
285
00:12:41,661 --> 00:12:43,461
A number of long-lost animals
286
00:12:43,463 --> 00:12:46,097
Have actually risen
from the dead.
287
00:12:46,099 --> 00:12:47,832
Well, kind of.
288
00:12:47,834 --> 00:12:49,234
Take the coelacanth,
289
00:12:49,236 --> 00:12:52,871
A large prehistoric fish
that can grow to over 6 1/2 feet
290
00:12:52,873 --> 00:12:54,939
And weigh 200 pounds.
291
00:12:54,941 --> 00:12:58,409
It was believed that they went
extinct 65 million years ago
292
00:12:58,411 --> 00:13:02,113
Until it was rediscovered
again in 1938.
293
00:13:05,485 --> 00:13:08,419
As far as a place where
ancient animals could be hiding,
294
00:13:08,421 --> 00:13:10,922
Lake champlain
is somewhat ideal.
295
00:13:10,924 --> 00:13:12,724
Scientists have discovered
fossils here
296
00:13:12,726 --> 00:13:15,794
That date back
over 400 million years,
297
00:13:15,796 --> 00:13:17,729
And the teams come equipped
with gear
298
00:13:17,731 --> 00:13:20,131
To investigate
the lake's mysteries.
299
00:13:20,133 --> 00:13:22,567
The fish camera, huh?
Yeah.
300
00:13:22,569 --> 00:13:24,102
I mean,
this thing's amazing.
301
00:13:24,104 --> 00:13:27,272
I mean, you could send this
hd camera deep into the water...
302
00:13:27,274 --> 00:13:29,974
To get fish selfies.
303
00:13:29,976 --> 00:13:31,476
It's a very cool
fish camera.
304
00:13:31,478 --> 00:13:33,478
It is cool.
It is cool.
305
00:13:33,480 --> 00:13:35,380
Torres: Tonight, this
high-definition camera
306
00:13:35,382 --> 00:13:38,349
Will be our eyes underwater.
And since bright lights
307
00:13:38,351 --> 00:13:41,085
Are known to attract
underwater animals like squid,
308
00:13:41,087 --> 00:13:44,989
Maybe this will help
bring more action our way.
309
00:13:44,991 --> 00:13:48,259
If champ is real and as big
as eyewitnesses claim,
310
00:13:48,261 --> 00:13:49,727
It would need to consume
potentially
311
00:13:49,729 --> 00:13:52,797
Thousands of pounds of food
to sustain itself.
312
00:13:52,799 --> 00:13:58,970
♪♪
313
00:13:58,972 --> 00:14:01,472
I'm thinking what I can do
is toss in the bait
314
00:14:01,474 --> 00:14:03,908
And maybe if it doesn't
attract champ to eat it,
315
00:14:03,910 --> 00:14:06,845
It'll at least attract other
fish that might attract champ.
316
00:14:06,847 --> 00:14:08,913
Yeah.
317
00:14:08,915 --> 00:14:12,584
Ah, jess, take a look
at the camera.
318
00:14:12,586 --> 00:14:14,786
Oh, check that out.
319
00:14:14,788 --> 00:14:17,088
Getting a pretty good view of
the bottom of the lake here.
320
00:14:17,090 --> 00:14:18,389
Mm-hmm.
321
00:14:18,391 --> 00:14:22,460
Our camera has descended
350 feet down to the lake bed.
322
00:14:22,462 --> 00:14:25,730
From here, I'll move it around
to get a 20-foot panoramic view
323
00:14:25,732 --> 00:14:29,133
Of anything that's enticed
by the light on the camera
324
00:14:29,135 --> 00:14:30,268
Or the bait.
325
00:14:33,006 --> 00:14:34,372
Oh, did you see
that little fish jump?!
326
00:14:34,374 --> 00:14:36,674
Ooh.
327
00:14:36,676 --> 00:14:39,043
That was a good on right there.
Yeah.
328
00:14:39,045 --> 00:14:42,280
Oh, we're getting
some activity.
329
00:14:42,282 --> 00:14:43,681
Yeah, it was a huge fish.
330
00:14:43,683 --> 00:14:48,553
♪♪
331
00:14:48,555 --> 00:14:50,788
Whoa.
332
00:14:50,790 --> 00:14:53,791
Something's definitely
trying to see the light!
333
00:14:53,793 --> 00:14:57,061
Holy crap.
334
00:14:57,063 --> 00:14:58,663
Right there.
It did it again,
335
00:14:58,665 --> 00:15:01,833
Something was definitely
interested in our camera,
336
00:15:01,835 --> 00:15:04,435
But it's impossible
to tell what it was.
337
00:15:04,437 --> 00:15:06,337
Is it just a large fish
338
00:15:06,339 --> 00:15:07,906
Or something else?
339
00:15:09,943 --> 00:15:13,378
I start thumping the water
to draw it in closer
340
00:15:13,380 --> 00:15:17,115
Because vibrations at the
surface make fish curious.
341
00:15:17,117 --> 00:15:21,185
And just make loud noises
on the surface of the water.
342
00:15:21,187 --> 00:15:23,755
It's known to just
draw things in.
343
00:15:23,757 --> 00:15:31,663
♪♪
344
00:15:31,665 --> 00:15:39,570
♪♪
345
00:15:39,572 --> 00:15:40,571
[ loud thump ]
346
00:15:40,573 --> 00:15:41,906
[bleep]
347
00:15:41,908 --> 00:15:43,374
Something just hit
our boat.
348
00:15:46,813 --> 00:15:48,513
I'm gonna go
and turn on the lights.
349
00:15:48,515 --> 00:15:57,689
♪♪
350
00:15:57,691 --> 00:15:59,390
Wait, wait, wait.
Back left, back left.
351
00:15:59,392 --> 00:16:02,727
-Back left?
-I'm seeing something.
352
00:16:02,729 --> 00:16:04,128
We got something.
Do you really?
353
00:16:04,130 --> 00:16:05,430
Down, down, down,
354
00:16:05,432 --> 00:16:07,966
Went too far.
Down, down.
355
00:16:07,968 --> 00:16:10,568
Little more.
356
00:16:10,570 --> 00:16:13,838
What do you see?
357
00:16:13,840 --> 00:16:15,406
There's something in there.
358
00:16:17,077 --> 00:16:20,979
♪♪
359
00:16:20,981 --> 00:16:23,381
Where is it now?
360
00:16:23,383 --> 00:16:25,183
It just went
under the boat.
361
00:16:30,724 --> 00:16:32,457
Gates:
My team is on lake champlain
362
00:16:32,459 --> 00:16:35,059
Where the mysterious
lake monster named champ
363
00:16:35,061 --> 00:16:37,628
Was reportedly seen
by professional fisherman
364
00:16:37,630 --> 00:16:39,364
Kyle cortiana.
365
00:16:39,366 --> 00:16:41,099
And the team's efforts
to lure something
366
00:16:41,101 --> 00:16:42,800
Seems to have worked....
367
00:16:42,802 --> 00:16:44,202
It just went
under the boat.
368
00:16:44,204 --> 00:16:45,703
...A little too well.
369
00:16:45,705 --> 00:16:47,038
There's something in there.
370
00:16:50,610 --> 00:16:53,044
Oh, where is it?
It was really hard to tell,
371
00:16:53,046 --> 00:16:55,880
But it was definitely big
right in this area.
372
00:16:55,882 --> 00:16:57,315
Okay, well, I'm gonna run back
and move the light.
373
00:16:57,317 --> 00:16:59,050
Keep your eyes on the water.
Alright.
374
00:16:59,052 --> 00:17:05,056
♪♪
375
00:17:05,058 --> 00:17:10,962
♪♪
376
00:17:10,964 --> 00:17:13,031
What do you see?
377
00:17:13,033 --> 00:17:14,899
So, I don't know.
I'm kind of thinking
378
00:17:14,901 --> 00:17:17,869
Whatever I just saw up here,
I think it's gone.
379
00:17:17,871 --> 00:17:19,504
Seriously?
Yeah.
380
00:17:19,506 --> 00:17:21,239
Something definitely caused
381
00:17:21,241 --> 00:17:23,441
A big thud
against the boat.
382
00:17:23,443 --> 00:17:25,043
This whole boat shifted,
383
00:17:25,045 --> 00:17:27,979
So something big hit us.
384
00:17:27,981 --> 00:17:30,081
We had light in the water...
Mm-hmm.
385
00:17:30,083 --> 00:17:33,117
...And I was thumping,
386
00:17:33,119 --> 00:17:35,586
Kind of sending those vibrations
throughout this area.
387
00:17:35,588 --> 00:17:38,723
So something
about that combination
388
00:17:38,725 --> 00:17:40,291
Or one of those factors
389
00:17:40,293 --> 00:17:43,327
Seem to have caused
some reaction.
390
00:17:43,329 --> 00:17:44,629
I say we stay out here
391
00:17:44,631 --> 00:17:46,531
And try a few more times
and see what happens.
392
00:17:46,533 --> 00:17:48,232
Yeah, give it
a couple more thuds.
393
00:17:48,234 --> 00:17:50,068
See if it comes back.
Okay.
394
00:17:53,406 --> 00:17:54,939
Chobot:
We continue to chum the water
395
00:17:54,941 --> 00:17:56,908
And try to lure
back the creature
396
00:17:56,910 --> 00:18:00,311
With light and vibrations
into the early morning,
397
00:18:00,313 --> 00:18:02,880
But the waters of lake champlain
have calmed,
398
00:18:02,882 --> 00:18:05,783
So as dawn breaks,
we head back to shore.
399
00:18:09,255 --> 00:18:12,990
We'll need help to track down
champ in such a massive lake,
400
00:18:12,992 --> 00:18:15,827
So we've traveled south to meet
with local champ expert
401
00:18:15,829 --> 00:18:17,862
Katy elizabeth.
402
00:18:17,864 --> 00:18:19,597
Hi, katy.
Nice to meet you guys.
403
00:18:19,599 --> 00:18:21,032
Nice to meet you, too.
404
00:18:21,034 --> 00:18:22,800
Katie is an author,
investigator,
405
00:18:22,802 --> 00:18:25,069
And the founder of champ search.
406
00:18:25,071 --> 00:18:27,338
For eight years,
she's been actively combing
407
00:18:27,340 --> 00:18:29,307
Every inch of lake champlain,
408
00:18:29,309 --> 00:18:31,209
Gathering evidence
of the monster
409
00:18:31,211 --> 00:18:33,444
And cataloging
reported sightings.
410
00:18:33,446 --> 00:18:37,148
And she believes the lake
monster frequents this marsh.
411
00:18:37,150 --> 00:18:39,383
What got you interested in champ
in the first place?
412
00:18:39,385 --> 00:18:42,487
In 2012, I took a trip
to lake champlain.
413
00:18:42,489 --> 00:18:45,890
I saw this object pop up
to the surface of the water.
414
00:18:45,892 --> 00:18:48,559
I would estimate it was around
15 feet in length,
415
00:18:48,561 --> 00:18:50,361
Black, blackish-brown
in color.
416
00:18:50,363 --> 00:18:52,363
Were you out on a boat?
Were you walking on the shore?
417
00:18:52,365 --> 00:18:55,600
No, is actually sitting
on a bench, eating my breakfast.
418
00:18:55,602 --> 00:18:57,468
I'm looking at it
and I'm like, "well, maybe --"
419
00:18:57,470 --> 00:18:58,769
I'm trying to be logical,
you know.
420
00:18:58,771 --> 00:19:00,104
I'm like,
maybe it's an otter.
421
00:19:00,106 --> 00:19:02,173
Maybe it's a big snake."
422
00:19:02,175 --> 00:19:03,741
I didn't know
what to think,
423
00:19:03,743 --> 00:19:06,244
But it was unlike anything
I've ever seen before.
424
00:19:06,246 --> 00:19:09,113
Wow.
Okay, interesting.
425
00:19:09,115 --> 00:19:12,150
What's your theory
on what champ might be?
426
00:19:12,152 --> 00:19:16,187
I believe that these animals
are an ancient species.
427
00:19:16,189 --> 00:19:19,857
My idea is that these animals
are either reptile or amphibian
428
00:19:19,859 --> 00:19:22,793
Or perhaps a very strange
hybrid of both.
429
00:19:22,795 --> 00:19:25,696
In the wintertime, the lake
can freeze completely over,
430
00:19:25,698 --> 00:19:29,367
So these animals need to be
breathing somehow to stay alive.
431
00:19:29,369 --> 00:19:31,101
They could be breathing
through their skin
432
00:19:31,103 --> 00:19:32,837
Or, like the common
snapping turtle
433
00:19:32,839 --> 00:19:35,206
That's here
in the lake champlain region,
434
00:19:35,208 --> 00:19:37,875
They actually breathe
through specialized skin cells
435
00:19:37,877 --> 00:19:40,178
Beneath their tail.
436
00:19:40,180 --> 00:19:43,014
Torres: Katie's theory is
actually based in science.
437
00:19:43,016 --> 00:19:45,449
Both reptiles and amphibians
can stay underwater
438
00:19:45,451 --> 00:19:48,886
For extended amounts of time
due to their unique anatomy.
439
00:19:48,888 --> 00:19:50,755
Amphibians are able
to absorb oxygen
440
00:19:50,757 --> 00:19:52,590
Through their permeable skin
441
00:19:52,592 --> 00:19:55,893
While reptiles have an extremely
efficient lung capacity.
442
00:19:55,895 --> 00:19:57,628
If katie's theory is correct,
443
00:19:57,630 --> 00:20:00,031
This could explain
how they survive in the lake
444
00:20:00,033 --> 00:20:01,866
And why they aren't seen often.
445
00:20:01,868 --> 00:20:03,768
But I'm not necessarily buying
446
00:20:03,770 --> 00:20:06,170
There's a giant hybrid
frog-reptile thing
447
00:20:06,172 --> 00:20:08,105
The size of a dinosaur.
448
00:20:08,107 --> 00:20:11,008
There's been many reports
in the marsh systems,
449
00:20:11,010 --> 00:20:12,877
Particularly at night.
450
00:20:12,879 --> 00:20:14,245
Ooh.
So you think
451
00:20:14,247 --> 00:20:17,715
There's a possibility that champ
actually comes onto land?
452
00:20:17,717 --> 00:20:19,784
Yes, matter of fact,
that's why I had you guys
453
00:20:19,786 --> 00:20:21,652
Meet me here
in this location.
454
00:20:21,654 --> 00:20:25,022
There's been prints
and tracks found here --
drag marks
455
00:20:25,024 --> 00:20:26,157
Right here?
Yes, right here.
456
00:20:26,159 --> 00:20:28,159
Oh. Why would they favor
this area?
457
00:20:28,161 --> 00:20:30,294
It's a great place to feed
because you have snakes,
458
00:20:30,296 --> 00:20:33,030
Turtles, frogs, little fish.
459
00:20:33,032 --> 00:20:35,199
They could be
opportunistic feeders
460
00:20:35,201 --> 00:20:37,001
Because there has been
reports of them
461
00:20:37,003 --> 00:20:38,369
Snatching seagulls off
462
00:20:38,371 --> 00:20:40,438
The surface of the water.
Interesting.
463
00:20:40,440 --> 00:20:41,906
Eyewitness statements
are one thing,
464
00:20:41,908 --> 00:20:44,342
But have you ever managed
to actually get some evidence
465
00:20:44,344 --> 00:20:47,878
Of their potentially being a
giant lake monster living here?
466
00:20:47,880 --> 00:20:48,980
Yes, I have.
467
00:20:50,950 --> 00:20:52,817
These are sonar images
that I obtained
468
00:20:52,819 --> 00:20:55,286
On August 5th, 2019.
469
00:20:55,288 --> 00:20:57,622
My research partners
and I were in the boat
470
00:20:57,624 --> 00:21:00,424
And we noticed
these strange anomalies
471
00:21:00,426 --> 00:21:01,959
On the bottom of the lake.
472
00:21:01,961 --> 00:21:04,395
And once I enlarged it,
I saw that horse-like head
473
00:21:04,397 --> 00:21:07,198
With the horn-like
protuberances on top.
474
00:21:07,200 --> 00:21:08,799
Chobot:
Katy's sonar captured an image
475
00:21:08,801 --> 00:21:11,802
Of what could be an unidentified
animal underwater,
476
00:21:11,804 --> 00:21:13,738
Resting
on the lake bottom.
477
00:21:13,740 --> 00:21:16,641
The shape matches
previous eyewitness descriptions
478
00:21:16,643 --> 00:21:18,609
Of a long-necked creature.
479
00:21:18,611 --> 00:21:20,444
Further north...
Mm-hmm.
480
00:21:20,446 --> 00:21:24,215
...I saw strange anomalies
at the surface.
481
00:21:24,217 --> 00:21:25,650
Oh, my gosh,
you're right!
482
00:21:25,652 --> 00:21:28,586
There's the animal
and then there is its wake.
483
00:21:28,588 --> 00:21:29,920
Yes.
484
00:21:29,922 --> 00:21:31,789
Torres: I have to admit,
that does look similar
485
00:21:31,791 --> 00:21:33,758
To what we saw
in kyle's video.
486
00:21:33,760 --> 00:21:35,059
There's definitely
something in here
487
00:21:35,061 --> 00:21:36,994
That people
are calling champ.
488
00:21:36,996 --> 00:21:38,195
Absolutely.
489
00:21:40,099 --> 00:21:43,634
Chobot: If katie's right, champ
comes to this marsh to feed.
490
00:21:43,636 --> 00:21:47,138
And for me, the discovery of
strange tracks or drag marks
491
00:21:47,140 --> 00:21:50,241
Coming out of the lake
strengthens her theory.
492
00:21:50,243 --> 00:21:52,643
If this lake monster
is a night predator,
493
00:21:52,645 --> 00:21:56,213
Then our best chance
of an encounter is right now.
494
00:21:58,785 --> 00:22:01,585
Seeing a lot of frogs.
Yeah, a lot of frogs out here.
495
00:22:01,587 --> 00:22:03,054
Katy was right.
Definitely a lot
496
00:22:03,056 --> 00:22:05,256
Of food here for champ.
497
00:22:05,258 --> 00:22:08,159
Chobot:
And in the dead of night,
this place is looking like
498
00:22:08,161 --> 00:22:09,960
A monster buffet.
499
00:22:09,962 --> 00:22:11,062
Got one.
500
00:22:11,064 --> 00:22:12,697
Oh, look at
that leopard frog.
501
00:22:12,699 --> 00:22:14,331
So this is the classic
amphibian.
502
00:22:14,333 --> 00:22:15,433
Mm-hmm.
And, you know,
503
00:22:15,435 --> 00:22:18,469
Katy was thinking that champ
could be amphibian
504
00:22:18,471 --> 00:22:20,671
'cause this thing can breathe
through its mouth,
505
00:22:20,673 --> 00:22:22,606
Also through its skin,
506
00:22:22,608 --> 00:22:25,443
Which would be why champ
doesn't come up to the surface
507
00:22:25,445 --> 00:22:26,977
Very much
because essentially,
508
00:22:26,979 --> 00:22:28,779
He doesn't need to.
Yeah.
509
00:22:28,781 --> 00:22:30,548
This is the spot
where multiple people
510
00:22:30,550 --> 00:22:33,150
Have claimed to see champ
not only in the water,
511
00:22:33,152 --> 00:22:35,586
But on shore.
Yeah.
512
00:22:35,588 --> 00:22:37,755
So I have the camera
traps in my bag.
513
00:22:37,757 --> 00:22:39,190
Okay.
I think we should find
514
00:22:39,192 --> 00:22:40,358
A good place in the mud
515
00:22:40,360 --> 00:22:42,493
Where we can really dig
these posts in.
516
00:22:42,495 --> 00:22:44,362
I just want to make sure we're
not gonna lose these cameras.
517
00:22:44,364 --> 00:22:47,198
Okay, works for me.
518
00:22:47,200 --> 00:22:50,067
Torres: We've brought a dozen
infrared waterproof cameras
519
00:22:50,069 --> 00:22:51,769
To spread throughout the area.
520
00:22:51,771 --> 00:22:53,971
If this is a potential camp
hot spot,
521
00:22:53,973 --> 00:22:55,806
We need to keep the cameras
rolling in case
522
00:22:55,808 --> 00:22:58,776
Something decides to emerge
from the water.
523
00:22:58,778 --> 00:23:05,049
♪♪
524
00:23:05,051 --> 00:23:06,584
[ loud splash ]
525
00:23:06,586 --> 00:23:08,786
Ohh...
What was that?
526
00:23:08,788 --> 00:23:10,221
The heck was that?
527
00:23:10,223 --> 00:23:12,456
That sounded like
something big.
528
00:23:12,458 --> 00:23:14,759
Oh, I see the ripples.
Holy [bleep].
529
00:23:14,761 --> 00:23:16,360
Let's go check that out.
530
00:23:16,362 --> 00:23:26,203
♪♪
531
00:23:26,205 --> 00:23:28,205
Chobot: Look at this.
That's a drag mark.
532
00:23:28,207 --> 00:23:30,975
Oh, my god, that's huge!
533
00:23:34,313 --> 00:23:41,252
♪♪
534
00:23:41,254 --> 00:23:42,553
Chobot: Look at this.
535
00:23:42,555 --> 00:23:43,687
That's a drag, mark.
536
00:23:43,689 --> 00:23:46,457
Oh, my god, that's huge!
537
00:23:48,895 --> 00:23:50,895
Some marks on this side.
538
00:23:50,897 --> 00:23:53,097
Oh, yeah, lookit.
Look at that.
539
00:23:53,099 --> 00:23:54,799
That's so bizarre.
540
00:23:54,801 --> 00:23:57,334
Are you thinking that whatever
just made that splash
541
00:23:57,336 --> 00:24:01,238
Is the same thing as this?
It's in the same exact area.
542
00:24:01,240 --> 00:24:02,907
I think that splash
could accommodate
543
00:24:02,909 --> 00:24:04,742
Something that is this big.
I don't know,
544
00:24:04,744 --> 00:24:06,010
But it stayed shallow.
545
00:24:06,012 --> 00:24:08,245
Like, we would've seen
something in the water.
546
00:24:08,247 --> 00:24:10,614
We would've seen a wake.
Where did that thing go?
547
00:24:10,616 --> 00:24:12,583
I don't know.
I'm checking for eye shine.
548
00:24:16,923 --> 00:24:18,222
No, I'm not saying
any eye shine.
549
00:24:18,224 --> 00:24:20,324
Okay, I've got the flir camera,
so let's take that out.
550
00:24:20,326 --> 00:24:21,392
Okay.
551
00:24:24,430 --> 00:24:26,163
[indistinct] the scan.
552
00:24:29,168 --> 00:24:30,901
I don't see
anything over there.
553
00:24:33,506 --> 00:24:35,506
Nothing there?
Nothing there.
554
00:24:35,508 --> 00:24:37,875
[ thunder rumbling ]
the rain's starting.
555
00:24:37,877 --> 00:24:39,176
Yeah.
I want to lose the tracks.
556
00:24:39,178 --> 00:24:40,511
I think we got
to take photos of that
557
00:24:40,513 --> 00:24:43,047
Before it gets washed away.
Oh, that's a good idea.
558
00:24:45,184 --> 00:24:47,051
Torres: There's no sign of
whatever made that splash
559
00:24:47,053 --> 00:24:49,820
Or these fresh tracks,
but we need to move fast
560
00:24:49,822 --> 00:24:52,122
If we're gonna collect
any evidence.
561
00:24:54,393 --> 00:24:56,727
I mean, this thing
must've weighed a ton
562
00:24:56,729 --> 00:24:57,962
And been super strong
563
00:24:57,964 --> 00:24:59,463
Because it took you
quite a while
564
00:24:59,465 --> 00:25:01,265
To pound those stakes
into the ground.
565
00:25:01,267 --> 00:25:03,901
The mud is way more dense
than I thought it was gonna be.
566
00:25:03,903 --> 00:25:06,003
I've seen sea turtle tracks
that look like this
567
00:25:06,005 --> 00:25:08,839
On ocean shores,
but this is a lake,
568
00:25:08,841 --> 00:25:11,375
And I don't think that snapping
turtles get quite this big.
569
00:25:11,377 --> 00:25:13,611
The largest ones grow
to just over a foot.
570
00:25:13,613 --> 00:25:15,012
Alright, well,
let's go put up the cameras
571
00:25:15,014 --> 00:25:17,748
And see if it'll come back.
572
00:25:17,750 --> 00:25:21,285
Chobot: If a large creature does
frequent this marsh to feed,
573
00:25:21,287 --> 00:25:22,686
We need to know.
574
00:25:22,688 --> 00:25:25,289
So we're going to keep our
infrared cameras rolling here
575
00:25:25,291 --> 00:25:27,958
In case the animal
that just fled the area
576
00:25:27,960 --> 00:25:30,127
Makes another appearance.
577
00:25:30,129 --> 00:25:33,297
-That looks good.
-Come take a selfie, champ.
578
00:25:33,299 --> 00:25:38,335
♪♪
579
00:25:38,337 --> 00:25:40,204
Torres: It's day three
of our investigation,
580
00:25:40,206 --> 00:25:42,806
And while we've met
some compelling eyewitnesses
581
00:25:42,808 --> 00:25:46,243
And had an interesting encounter
of our own out on the water,
582
00:25:46,245 --> 00:25:49,713
I don't think we're any closer
to solving this mystery.
583
00:25:49,715 --> 00:25:52,049
A big part of this for me
is trying to figure out
584
00:25:52,051 --> 00:25:54,552
What is
biologically possible.
585
00:25:54,554 --> 00:25:58,422
We have the big lake,
so how could this thing feed?
586
00:25:58,424 --> 00:26:01,091
How could it have
a sustainable population?
587
00:26:01,093 --> 00:26:02,526
How could it
stay underwater
588
00:26:02,528 --> 00:26:04,061
For all this time
and not be seen?
589
00:26:04,063 --> 00:26:05,930
There's just all these questions
I have.
590
00:26:05,932 --> 00:26:08,933
What exists out there
that this could be similar to?
591
00:26:11,504 --> 00:26:13,604
So we're headed
to the leahy center,
592
00:26:13,606 --> 00:26:15,439
A science and nature museum
near the lake,
593
00:26:15,441 --> 00:26:17,141
For what I think this
investigation
594
00:26:17,143 --> 00:26:18,576
Desperately needs --
595
00:26:18,578 --> 00:26:21,445
A rational, scientific
point of view.
596
00:26:21,447 --> 00:26:23,480
Welcome to the leahy center
for lake champlain.
597
00:26:23,482 --> 00:26:25,649
I've arranged a meeting
with director of programs
598
00:26:25,651 --> 00:26:27,184
Nina ridhibhinyo,
599
00:26:27,186 --> 00:26:31,288
Who's an expert on the local
ecosystem and the champ legend.
600
00:26:31,290 --> 00:26:34,758
I'm loving
the champ stuff here!
601
00:26:34,760 --> 00:26:36,126
I know, aren't they cute
altogether?
602
00:26:36,128 --> 00:26:37,328
They're so cute.
603
00:26:37,330 --> 00:26:38,729
Well, and that's actually
why we're here
604
00:26:38,731 --> 00:26:42,032
Is we're actually kind of seeing
if we can't find champ.
605
00:26:42,034 --> 00:26:43,200
Ah, an excellent quest.
606
00:26:43,202 --> 00:26:45,903
Do you have anything
a little less adorable
607
00:26:45,905 --> 00:26:48,439
And more in the vein of,
like, hard champ evidence here?
608
00:26:48,441 --> 00:26:51,809
We do, actually.
We host the famous mansi photo.
609
00:26:51,811 --> 00:26:53,310
Oh, that's cool.
Like the photo?
610
00:26:53,312 --> 00:26:55,079
The photo.
Can we see it?
611
00:26:55,081 --> 00:26:57,748
Yeah.
Oh, yes.
612
00:26:57,750 --> 00:27:00,417
Torres: The original mansi photo
is so much more detailed
613
00:27:00,419 --> 00:27:03,554
Than the low-resolution replica
we've seen before.
614
00:27:03,556 --> 00:27:06,323
You can see that
the body's clearly defined.
615
00:27:06,325 --> 00:27:09,660
It doesn't look like an optical
illusion caused by a shadow.
616
00:27:09,662 --> 00:27:11,629
Oh, wow!
Check that out!
617
00:27:11,631 --> 00:27:14,598
What do you think is the most
convincing evidence that exists?
618
00:27:14,600 --> 00:27:16,133
Do you think it's this?
I think it really depends
619
00:27:16,135 --> 00:27:19,236
On what you consider
evidence.
620
00:27:19,238 --> 00:27:21,972
Until you have
a live, live animal,
621
00:27:21,974 --> 00:27:25,275
It's really hard to confirm
the existence of something.
622
00:27:25,277 --> 00:27:26,644
What do you see in it?
Alright.
623
00:27:26,646 --> 00:27:29,279
So I see two possibilities --
624
00:27:29,281 --> 00:27:31,682
Either a hump and a neck
625
00:27:31,684 --> 00:27:35,119
Or maybe an animal on its side
with a flipper in the air.
626
00:27:35,121 --> 00:27:37,221
So you're convinced
definitely animal?
627
00:27:37,223 --> 00:27:38,856
Yeah, I'm convinced
animal.
628
00:27:38,858 --> 00:27:40,924
Torres: I mean, it looks a lot
like an animal.
629
00:27:40,926 --> 00:27:43,694
I'm trying to tell
if that's like a fish diving out
630
00:27:43,696 --> 00:27:47,131
And we're kind of catching
a little arch of it.
631
00:27:47,133 --> 00:27:49,933
I mean, it looks a lot
like a giant lake monster,
632
00:27:49,935 --> 00:27:51,235
I got to say.
Yes, it does.
633
00:27:51,237 --> 00:27:53,070
It's convincing.
So what do you think it is?
634
00:27:53,072 --> 00:27:55,472
It could be
a wake of a boat,
635
00:27:55,474 --> 00:27:58,342
Or it could be different
animals -- large animals,
636
00:27:58,344 --> 00:28:00,110
Collections of animals.
637
00:28:00,112 --> 00:28:02,079
How big do you think
this thing is?
638
00:28:02,081 --> 00:28:03,947
From a photo,
it's impossible to tell,
639
00:28:03,949 --> 00:28:05,582
But we know people
usually report champ
640
00:28:05,584 --> 00:28:07,718
To be between
10 and 40 feet.
641
00:28:07,720 --> 00:28:11,522
We have animals here that are
approaching that 10-foot size,
642
00:28:11,524 --> 00:28:13,557
But 40 feet's pretty big.
643
00:28:13,559 --> 00:28:17,161
Torres:
Lake champlain is swarming with
90 known species of fish,
644
00:28:17,163 --> 00:28:20,531
But there's no way any of them
can grow to 40 feet.
645
00:28:20,533 --> 00:28:23,233
But there is one kind of
freshwater fish here that, well,
646
00:28:23,235 --> 00:28:25,102
Let's just say
if it was swimming by
647
00:28:25,104 --> 00:28:26,603
And you didn't know what it was,
648
00:28:26,605 --> 00:28:28,605
Your heart might jump out
of your chest.
649
00:28:28,607 --> 00:28:31,041
Oh, my gosh.
Look at these things.
650
00:28:31,043 --> 00:28:33,377
Aren't they amazing?
So these are the sturgeon?
651
00:28:33,379 --> 00:28:35,579
This is the largest fish
we have in lake champlain.
652
00:28:35,581 --> 00:28:38,148
They can get up to eight feet.
How long do they live for?
653
00:28:38,150 --> 00:28:40,818
They're really long-lived fish.
They can live 80, 100 years.
654
00:28:40,820 --> 00:28:43,153
To me, you see an eight-foot
one of those guys
655
00:28:43,155 --> 00:28:46,223
Jumping out of the water --
giant lake monster.
656
00:28:46,225 --> 00:28:49,093
So a possibility,
but not a total yes.
657
00:28:49,095 --> 00:28:51,195
Torres: Not only are these
sturgeon huge,
658
00:28:51,197 --> 00:28:54,031
They're hardly seen
because they're bottom feeders,
659
00:28:54,033 --> 00:28:56,867
Except in the rare instance
when they breach the surface.
660
00:28:56,869 --> 00:28:58,535
Oh, [bleep]!
661
00:28:58,537 --> 00:29:01,238
Which could resemble
the head of a lake monster
662
00:29:01,240 --> 00:29:03,540
To a casual observer.
663
00:29:03,542 --> 00:29:05,976
It explains
why champ sightings seldom occur
664
00:29:05,978 --> 00:29:09,012
And why they cause such a stir
when they do.
665
00:29:09,014 --> 00:29:11,515
But just when I'm thinking
this case is closed,
666
00:29:11,517 --> 00:29:14,485
Nina drops this nugget on us.
667
00:29:14,487 --> 00:29:15,719
This is
the charlotte whale.
668
00:29:15,721 --> 00:29:17,921
Torres:
Ooh, look at those teeth.
669
00:29:17,923 --> 00:29:20,724
-That lived in lake champlain?!
-Yeah, it's unusual
670
00:29:20,726 --> 00:29:22,960
Because vermont
has no coast.
671
00:29:22,962 --> 00:29:25,496
Yeah, so how'd
the whale get here?
672
00:29:25,498 --> 00:29:27,631
Lake champlain's been here
about 10,000 years.
673
00:29:27,633 --> 00:29:29,233
But right before that,
there was something called
674
00:29:29,235 --> 00:29:30,534
The champlain sea
675
00:29:30,536 --> 00:29:32,770
That was connected
to the atlantic ocean.
676
00:29:32,772 --> 00:29:35,539
So at that time,
we had whales
677
00:29:35,541 --> 00:29:38,175
Able to move into the area.
Wow.
678
00:29:38,177 --> 00:29:41,011
So that's an example
of a pretty large animal,
679
00:29:41,013 --> 00:29:42,212
Even whales
larger than this,
680
00:29:42,214 --> 00:29:43,914
That would've been
in this area.
681
00:29:43,916 --> 00:29:46,750
Chobot:
Hearing that lake champlain
was an inland salt sea
682
00:29:46,752 --> 00:29:49,153
Strengthens my belief
that there could still be
683
00:29:49,155 --> 00:29:52,656
A large aquatic creature
living in these waters.
684
00:29:55,027 --> 00:29:57,294
We do have these examples
of animals that have been able
685
00:29:57,296 --> 00:30:00,497
To move between salt water
and fresh water,
686
00:30:00,499 --> 00:30:03,133
And there have been plesiosaurs
that have been found
687
00:30:03,135 --> 00:30:04,735
In brackish waters,
688
00:30:04,737 --> 00:30:06,170
And brackish water's
where you start to see
689
00:30:06,172 --> 00:30:08,038
This mixing of salt water
and fresh water.
690
00:30:08,040 --> 00:30:10,874
Interesting! So you're saying
there's a chance!
691
00:30:10,876 --> 00:30:12,476
Evolution
does some weird stuff.
692
00:30:12,478 --> 00:30:13,844
I mean, there's always
a possibility,
693
00:30:13,846 --> 00:30:16,613
But the sturgeon is
a 65-million-year-old species.
694
00:30:16,615 --> 00:30:17,648
There you go.
695
00:30:17,650 --> 00:30:20,117
It sounds
like this is feasible.
696
00:30:20,119 --> 00:30:21,718
Something to be
further investigated.
697
00:30:21,720 --> 00:30:23,554
Yeah.
If champ did exist
698
00:30:23,556 --> 00:30:25,589
The way that people are
reporting their sightings,
699
00:30:25,591 --> 00:30:28,892
Is there anywhere
in lake champlain
700
00:30:28,894 --> 00:30:30,561
That would be
a good habitat for it?
701
00:30:30,563 --> 00:30:31,695
Well, a lot
of champ sightings
702
00:30:31,697 --> 00:30:33,564
Happen in the deepest parts
of the lake.
703
00:30:35,768 --> 00:30:38,368
Torres: I'm shocked to hear
that nina doesn't rule out
704
00:30:38,370 --> 00:30:39,903
That a giant unknown creature
705
00:30:39,905 --> 00:30:43,540
Might actually be living in
the darkest depths of the lake.
706
00:30:43,542 --> 00:30:45,108
While I'm keeping an open mind,
707
00:30:45,110 --> 00:30:47,878
I'm not sure where jess
and I go from here.
708
00:30:47,880 --> 00:30:50,614
So we're checking in with josh
for some guidance.
709
00:30:50,616 --> 00:30:52,249
Hey, phil and jess!
How are you?
710
00:30:52,251 --> 00:30:53,383
Hey, good.
Good, how are you?
711
00:30:53,385 --> 00:30:55,285
So you find
a lake monster yet?
712
00:30:55,287 --> 00:30:57,154
[ exhales heavily ]
not quite yet.
713
00:30:57,156 --> 00:30:59,256
Listen, we've talked to some
really compelling witnesses,
714
00:30:59,258 --> 00:31:01,892
But we've also talked
to some experts here.
715
00:31:01,894 --> 00:31:04,494
And I'm really thinking that
what people may be seeing
716
00:31:04,496 --> 00:31:07,264
Out here
could just be a sturgeon.
717
00:31:07,266 --> 00:31:08,699
They don't come to the surface
very often,
718
00:31:08,701 --> 00:31:10,734
But when they do,
you could imagine someone
719
00:31:10,736 --> 00:31:13,971
Mistaking that
for a giant lake monster.
720
00:31:13,973 --> 00:31:15,505
Lake champlain is huge.
721
00:31:15,507 --> 00:31:18,842
I mean, they have found
whale skeletons there.
722
00:31:18,844 --> 00:31:21,111
This thing used to be
connected to the ocean.
723
00:31:21,113 --> 00:31:23,614
In my opinion,
there is a really good chance
724
00:31:23,616 --> 00:31:25,182
That something
like a plesiosaur
725
00:31:25,184 --> 00:31:28,151
Or some sort of other ancient
creature got stuck in there
726
00:31:28,153 --> 00:31:30,354
And then now has evolved
over time
727
00:31:30,356 --> 00:31:33,523
To be the thing that people
are reporting is champ.
728
00:31:33,525 --> 00:31:35,926
So that's kind of similar
to what you hear
729
00:31:35,928 --> 00:31:37,227
About loch ness, right?
730
00:31:37,229 --> 00:31:40,063
This other body of water
connected to the ocean.
731
00:31:40,065 --> 00:31:42,566
And there's always been
this idea among believers.
732
00:31:42,568 --> 00:31:45,569
Nessie is somehow using
underwater caves
733
00:31:45,571 --> 00:31:47,638
Or tunnels
as a kind of sanctuary.
734
00:31:47,640 --> 00:31:49,606
I wonder if that might be
an interesting approach here.
735
00:31:49,608 --> 00:31:51,775
I mean, I think
you should really dig into,
736
00:31:51,777 --> 00:31:54,878
No pun intended,
the geology of the lake itself.
737
00:31:54,880 --> 00:31:57,915
Are there any geological
features below the surface
738
00:31:57,917 --> 00:32:01,752
That could provide a kind of
long-term underwater habitat
739
00:32:01,754 --> 00:32:04,121
For this creature?
-Yeah, I think that makes sense.
740
00:32:04,123 --> 00:32:05,289
It wouldn't
surprise me at all
741
00:32:05,291 --> 00:32:07,190
To find out that there's
some caves down there.
742
00:32:07,192 --> 00:32:10,260
To that end, I'm gonna be
sending you an underwater r.O.V.
743
00:32:10,262 --> 00:32:13,297
We really want to get a look
at the underside of this lake.
744
00:32:13,299 --> 00:32:14,564
We're gonna need eyes
to do it.
745
00:32:14,566 --> 00:32:16,366
So you'll have that
at your disposal
746
00:32:16,368 --> 00:32:17,634
To help with the investigation.
747
00:32:17,636 --> 00:32:19,970
Awesome.
Perfect. I call dibs!
748
00:32:19,972 --> 00:32:21,738
Dang it.
I think we got to go diving,
749
00:32:21,740 --> 00:32:23,974
And by "we" I mean you.
750
00:32:23,976 --> 00:32:25,742
Don't get eaten
by a lake monster.
751
00:32:25,744 --> 00:32:27,277
Yeah.
Good advice.
752
00:32:27,279 --> 00:32:28,345
Good luck.
753
00:32:28,347 --> 00:32:29,947
Thanks!
Alright, thanks!
754
00:32:29,949 --> 00:32:32,015
Torres:
According to a 2012 study,
755
00:32:32,017 --> 00:32:34,952
It's believed that large fish
prefer to hang out in coral
756
00:32:34,954 --> 00:32:36,520
Or rocky overhangs,
757
00:32:36,522 --> 00:32:39,856
Possibly to protect themselves
from ultraviolet sunlight
758
00:32:39,858 --> 00:32:42,492
Or to lie in wait for prey.
759
00:32:42,494 --> 00:32:44,494
Assuming champ is no different,
760
00:32:44,496 --> 00:32:47,230
Jess and I pored
over maritime maps of the lake,
761
00:32:47,232 --> 00:32:49,399
Lining them up with hundreds
of champ sightings,
762
00:32:49,401 --> 00:32:50,767
And check this out --
763
00:32:50,769 --> 00:32:53,036
Here in the heart
of the majority of sightings
764
00:32:53,038 --> 00:32:56,039
Is a geological landmark
called ferris rock,
765
00:32:56,041 --> 00:32:57,708
An infamous maritime hazard
766
00:32:57,710 --> 00:33:01,111
That has claimed more than
its fair share of shipwrecks.
767
00:33:01,113 --> 00:33:03,246
It's a massive
underwater mountain
768
00:33:03,248 --> 00:33:06,883
That easily could shelter
the lake's largest animals.
769
00:33:06,885 --> 00:33:09,286
If champ is real,
then ferris rock
770
00:33:09,288 --> 00:33:13,323
Is just the kind of place
we're gonna find him.
771
00:33:13,325 --> 00:33:16,426
Okay, so we're anchored
in at ferris rock,
772
00:33:16,428 --> 00:33:17,828
So are you ready to go?
773
00:33:17,830 --> 00:33:21,198
If there is some sort of
lake monster around here,
774
00:33:21,200 --> 00:33:22,366
And that's a big if,
775
00:33:22,368 --> 00:33:24,267
My thought is it's probably
something
776
00:33:24,269 --> 00:33:26,737
That's either at depths
or in some of the natural places
777
00:33:26,739 --> 00:33:28,939
To hide out at
in this lake.
778
00:33:28,941 --> 00:33:30,640
I'm gonna be looking out
for different crevices,
779
00:33:30,642 --> 00:33:33,910
Different tracks that could lead
to a bigger chamber down there.
780
00:33:33,912 --> 00:33:36,513
And you,
with this underwater r.O.V.,
781
00:33:36,515 --> 00:33:37,948
Can basically be backup.
782
00:33:37,950 --> 00:33:42,085
Why don't you take the south
side of the rock formation?
783
00:33:42,087 --> 00:33:43,387
I'll take the north side.
784
00:33:43,389 --> 00:33:45,322
That way,
if you scare anything out,
785
00:33:45,324 --> 00:33:48,425
I have a chance of capturing it
on the r.O.V. Camera.
786
00:33:48,427 --> 00:33:50,260
Alright.
Well, I feel like
787
00:33:50,262 --> 00:33:51,528
This is our shot
to find champ.
788
00:33:51,530 --> 00:33:54,331
Yeah. You excited?
789
00:33:54,333 --> 00:33:55,399
You know...
790
00:33:55,401 --> 00:33:56,800
You'll be up here safe
on the boat.
791
00:33:56,802 --> 00:33:58,835
I'll be, um, down there
792
00:33:58,837 --> 00:34:01,271
Looking for a giant
lake monster.
793
00:34:03,909 --> 00:34:05,175
Chobot: As phil gears up,
794
00:34:05,177 --> 00:34:08,245
I prep our remote-operated
underwater vehicle,
795
00:34:08,247 --> 00:34:10,881
A submersible robot
with a high-definition camera
796
00:34:10,883 --> 00:34:14,518
That can descend to a depth
of 650 feet.
797
00:34:14,520 --> 00:34:18,388
If a large unidentified creature
is hiding in these depths,
798
00:34:18,390 --> 00:34:20,991
We have the technology
to document it.
799
00:34:20,993 --> 00:34:23,193
Alright. You good?
800
00:34:23,195 --> 00:34:25,629
Okay, well, good luck.
801
00:34:25,631 --> 00:34:27,631
Be careful.
802
00:34:27,633 --> 00:34:33,670
♪♪
803
00:34:33,672 --> 00:34:39,776
♪♪
804
00:34:41,280 --> 00:34:47,717
♪♪
805
00:34:47,719 --> 00:34:49,920
Alright, you good?
806
00:34:49,922 --> 00:34:52,389
Okay, well, good luck.
807
00:34:52,391 --> 00:34:53,557
Be careful.
808
00:34:53,559 --> 00:34:59,663
♪♪
809
00:34:59,665 --> 00:35:05,836
♪♪
810
00:35:07,706 --> 00:35:11,675
♪♪
811
00:35:13,846 --> 00:35:17,514
♪♪
812
00:35:17,516 --> 00:35:20,484
Chobot:
Eyewitnesses have spotted
champ over the centuries,
813
00:35:20,486 --> 00:35:23,487
But it is rare, which means
it definitely has found
814
00:35:23,489 --> 00:35:25,922
A good hiding spot
deep in the lake
815
00:35:25,924 --> 00:35:28,859
And ferris rock is our best bet.
816
00:35:28,861 --> 00:35:31,294
Phil will explore the south side
of the formation,
817
00:35:31,296 --> 00:35:34,731
Looking for any crevices that
may lead to a larger chamber
818
00:35:34,733 --> 00:35:38,568
While I navigate the r.O.V.
On the north side.
819
00:35:38,570 --> 00:35:41,571
While phil's gear and physiology
can only safely handle
820
00:35:41,573 --> 00:35:44,474
A depth of about 150 feet,
821
00:35:44,476 --> 00:35:46,176
This remote-operated vehicle
822
00:35:46,178 --> 00:35:48,712
Can explore much deeper
into the abyss.
823
00:35:54,086 --> 00:35:55,485
Yeah, I can hear you clear.
824
00:36:08,534 --> 00:36:10,200
Alright,
do see anything like that?
825
00:36:13,238 --> 00:36:19,643
♪♪
826
00:36:19,645 --> 00:36:26,016
♪♪
827
00:36:26,018 --> 00:36:28,285
It's really tricky
to maneuver this.
828
00:36:28,287 --> 00:36:31,221
All the spaces are
pretty narrow.
829
00:36:35,460 --> 00:36:37,894
R.O.V.'s at 60 feet.
830
00:36:37,896 --> 00:36:40,597
Looking for schools of fish
and any crevices large enough
831
00:36:40,599 --> 00:36:42,165
To fit the r.O.V.
832
00:36:43,802 --> 00:36:46,536
Copy that.
Descending to 150 feet.
833
00:37:08,126 --> 00:37:12,562
♪♪
834
00:37:16,034 --> 00:37:23,707
♪♪
835
00:37:25,177 --> 00:37:30,013
♪♪
836
00:37:32,484 --> 00:37:36,653
♪♪
837
00:37:36,655 --> 00:37:38,188
I can hear you.
838
00:37:41,093 --> 00:37:47,664
♪♪
839
00:37:51,637 --> 00:37:53,270
Big enough to hold a champ?
840
00:37:56,441 --> 00:38:00,210
♪♪
841
00:38:02,781 --> 00:38:04,781
Torres: I've got to find an
entrance that's large enough
842
00:38:04,783 --> 00:38:06,650
To safely enter.
843
00:38:06,652 --> 00:38:08,985
If my equipment gets snagged
on these rocks,
844
00:38:08,987 --> 00:38:10,787
This potential underwater haven
845
00:38:10,789 --> 00:38:12,922
Could become
extremely treacherous.
846
00:38:22,868 --> 00:38:27,971
I mean, the visibility
is so bad.
847
00:38:27,973 --> 00:38:29,873
Phil would have to be
on top of anything
848
00:38:29,875 --> 00:38:32,642
That was living down there
before he even noticed it.
849
00:38:35,981 --> 00:38:37,547
Chobot:
It phil spots something,
850
00:38:37,549 --> 00:38:39,382
I hope he's at a safe distance.
851
00:38:39,384 --> 00:38:47,090
♪♪
852
00:38:59,171 --> 00:39:00,770
What'd you see?
What'd you see?
853
00:39:05,344 --> 00:39:06,543
[bleep]
854
00:39:07,746 --> 00:39:09,212
Oh, my god.
Where did it go?
855
00:39:12,951 --> 00:39:15,652
Torres: Whatever that was,
its descent was fast.
856
00:39:15,654 --> 00:39:18,054
If we have any chance
of capturing it on video,
857
00:39:18,056 --> 00:39:19,856
We'll have to use the r.O.V.
858
00:39:19,858 --> 00:39:22,025
Since it can move
much more quickly.
859
00:39:26,131 --> 00:39:29,265
My descent always needs
to be slow and deliberate
860
00:39:29,267 --> 00:39:32,268
To avoid organ damage
from increased water pressure.
861
00:39:36,108 --> 00:39:38,274
But whatever I just saw
is speeding down
862
00:39:38,276 --> 00:39:39,943
To the deepest part of the lake.
863
00:39:41,913 --> 00:39:45,215
♪♪
864
00:39:45,217 --> 00:39:46,616
Yeah, I saw you with the r.O.V.,
865
00:39:46,618 --> 00:39:48,952
So just grab it and point it
where you want it to go.
866
00:39:59,297 --> 00:40:00,897
Alright, got it, copy.
867
00:40:00,899 --> 00:40:04,000
♪♪
868
00:40:08,507 --> 00:40:12,041
Torres:
I'm pushing the limits of
nitrogen narcosis at this depth,
869
00:40:12,043 --> 00:40:13,910
Which can bring
intoxicating effects
870
00:40:13,912 --> 00:40:16,513
And lead to a loss
in consciousness.
871
00:40:16,515 --> 00:40:18,715
This happens when
you breathe compressed gas
872
00:40:18,717 --> 00:40:21,284
At depths over 100 feet.
873
00:40:21,286 --> 00:40:23,720
That's why recreational divers
are advised
874
00:40:23,722 --> 00:40:26,489
Not to descend beyond 140 feet.
875
00:40:30,529 --> 00:40:31,861
I've got to ascend
876
00:40:31,863 --> 00:40:34,964
Before I start feeling
even more disoriented.
877
00:40:39,337 --> 00:40:41,738
Phil, are you okay?
878
00:40:41,740 --> 00:40:43,673
I just went too deep,
too fast
879
00:40:43,675 --> 00:40:46,509
After whatever
that thing was.
880
00:40:46,511 --> 00:40:48,578
The r.O.V. Is gonna have
to take it from here.
881
00:40:51,149 --> 00:40:54,083
♪♪
882
00:40:54,085 --> 00:40:56,286
Chobot: As phil takes off
his scuba gear,
883
00:40:56,288 --> 00:40:59,489
I man the r.O.V.
For any sign of the animal.
884
00:40:59,491 --> 00:41:04,928
The depth gauge indicates
we're already at 250 feet.
885
00:41:04,930 --> 00:41:06,429
Alright.
886
00:41:06,431 --> 00:41:08,465
What did you see?
887
00:41:08,467 --> 00:41:10,366
I don't know what it was...
Uh-huh.
888
00:41:10,368 --> 00:41:13,436
...But we we're swimming
basically along that ledge there
889
00:41:13,438 --> 00:41:14,671
Underneath
one of the overhangs,
890
00:41:14,673 --> 00:41:17,974
Just a huge, huge cloud of silt
just gets kicked up.
891
00:41:17,976 --> 00:41:20,610
Just something took off
that was big.
892
00:41:20,612 --> 00:41:22,111
I kind of got
a glimpse of it.
893
00:41:22,113 --> 00:41:23,413
But visibility --
once something gets
894
00:41:23,415 --> 00:41:25,114
10 feet, 15 feet...
Uh-huh.
895
00:41:25,116 --> 00:41:27,951
...You just kind of make out
a little bit of something.
896
00:41:27,953 --> 00:41:29,385
Film anything?
897
00:41:29,387 --> 00:41:32,789
Let's take this down.
100 more feet.
898
00:41:32,791 --> 00:41:34,224
How different
it looks down there.
899
00:41:34,226 --> 00:41:37,093
Shadow, so hard to see.
900
00:41:37,095 --> 00:41:39,028
Oh, my god.
901
00:41:39,030 --> 00:41:42,499
I just keep seeing stuff
on the left and right.
902
00:41:42,501 --> 00:41:43,733
I don't think that's --
903
00:41:43,735 --> 00:41:45,068
[ gasps ] what's this?
904
00:41:45,070 --> 00:41:46,169
Do you see that?
905
00:41:46,171 --> 00:41:47,670
It looks big.
906
00:41:47,672 --> 00:41:49,506
What is that?
907
00:41:56,748 --> 00:41:59,849
30 before the iconic
mansi photo was taken,
908
00:41:59,851 --> 00:42:03,086
Another famous photograph
was snapped across the pond.
909
00:42:03,088 --> 00:42:06,823
And unless you've been living
under a lake, you've seen it.
910
00:42:06,825 --> 00:42:08,691
It came to be known
as the surgeon's photo,
911
00:42:08,693 --> 00:42:12,095
And it purportedly depicted
champ's scottish doppelganger,
912
00:42:12,097 --> 00:42:13,563
The loch ness monster.
913
00:42:13,565 --> 00:42:15,098
For decades, the photo was
considered
914
00:42:15,100 --> 00:42:17,133
The high watermark of evidence
915
00:42:17,135 --> 00:42:19,002
Of a bona fide lake monster.
916
00:42:19,004 --> 00:42:23,673
But in 1984, a tangled thread
of lies started unraveling.
917
00:42:23,675 --> 00:42:25,475
A photo analysis was performed
918
00:42:25,477 --> 00:42:29,579
That determined the object
was only two or three feet long.
919
00:42:29,581 --> 00:42:32,782
Then, in 1994,
the nail in the coffin,
920
00:42:32,784 --> 00:42:34,517
A man named christopher spurling
921
00:42:34,519 --> 00:42:37,387
Outed everyone involved
on his deathbed,
922
00:42:37,389 --> 00:42:38,988
Confessing that the creature
in the photo
923
00:42:38,990 --> 00:42:41,491
Was just a mottled sea
serpent head
924
00:42:41,493 --> 00:42:44,060
Attached to a small toy
submarine.
925
00:42:44,062 --> 00:42:45,828
Whoops.
By comparison,
926
00:42:45,830 --> 00:42:48,932
To this day,
the mansi photo depicting champ
927
00:42:48,934 --> 00:42:52,168
Has held up
to scientific scrutiny.
928
00:42:52,170 --> 00:42:53,469
Sorry, nessie.
929
00:42:54,806 --> 00:42:59,342
♪♪
930
00:42:59,344 --> 00:43:01,344
What's this?
Do you see that?
931
00:43:01,346 --> 00:43:03,880
Torres: What is that?
That looks big.
932
00:43:03,882 --> 00:43:06,349
Gates: Phil and jess
are chasing a large creature
933
00:43:06,351 --> 00:43:08,484
That could be the elusive champ
934
00:43:08,486 --> 00:43:11,487
Using an r.O.V.
Piloted into the murky depths
935
00:43:11,489 --> 00:43:13,022
Of lake champlain.
936
00:43:13,024 --> 00:43:16,859
Oh, we got something coming up.
Absolutely.
937
00:43:16,861 --> 00:43:19,028
Ohh, look at that!
938
00:43:19,030 --> 00:43:22,264
What is that?
Get closer. Get closer.
939
00:43:22,266 --> 00:43:24,400
That's a shipwreck.
940
00:43:24,402 --> 00:43:26,803
Wow, that's a shipwreck.
We found a shipwreck!
941
00:43:28,974 --> 00:43:30,139
That is huge!
942
00:43:30,141 --> 00:43:33,176
Check that out.
943
00:43:33,178 --> 00:43:36,312
This lake has got all sorts of
things down below, wow.
944
00:43:36,314 --> 00:43:38,514
Okay, whatever I saw
945
00:43:38,516 --> 00:43:41,384
Led us straight
to the shipwreck.
946
00:43:41,386 --> 00:43:43,252
Yeah, I mean,
maybe it's using it as shelter.
947
00:43:43,254 --> 00:43:46,656
Yeah.
Let me see how close I can get.
948
00:43:46,658 --> 00:43:48,891
Gates: For more than 250 years,
949
00:43:48,893 --> 00:43:51,327
Lake champlain has been
a hub of commerce.
950
00:43:51,329 --> 00:43:55,264
And on this heavily trafficked
lake, accidents were inevitable.
951
00:43:55,266 --> 00:43:58,434
To date, there's approximately
300 shipwrecks
952
00:43:58,436 --> 00:44:01,537
That provide shelter
for creatures of the deep.
953
00:44:01,539 --> 00:44:02,972
I don't know how old
this thing is,
954
00:44:02,974 --> 00:44:05,742
But it looks super old.
Super old.
955
00:44:05,744 --> 00:44:07,810
Look how much it's decayed.
Mm-hmm.
956
00:44:07,812 --> 00:44:10,913
I know a lot of fish
use shipwrecks as refuge.
957
00:44:10,915 --> 00:44:13,850
So, easily, whatever I saw
could be in there right now.
958
00:44:13,852 --> 00:44:16,119
I mean, this would make
a good hiding place or a home
959
00:44:16,121 --> 00:44:17,754
For our champ.
960
00:44:17,756 --> 00:44:21,090
Torres: In 2020, scientists
completed two research projects
961
00:44:21,092 --> 00:44:23,292
That revealed
large aquatic predators
962
00:44:23,294 --> 00:44:26,029
May actually prefer
artificial habitats,
963
00:44:26,031 --> 00:44:29,465
Like sunken ships,
over a natural environment.
964
00:44:29,467 --> 00:44:32,101
If the large unidentified
creature people called champ
965
00:44:32,103 --> 00:44:33,636
Is also a predator,
966
00:44:33,638 --> 00:44:38,107
It's very possible it would
frequent this wreck, as well.
967
00:44:38,109 --> 00:44:39,976
Maybe just settle it right here.
Right over there?
968
00:44:39,978 --> 00:44:41,210
Let's just see
if anything happens.
969
00:44:41,212 --> 00:44:42,712
Okay, here,
let me park it.
970
00:44:42,714 --> 00:44:52,288
♪♪
971
00:44:52,290 --> 00:44:54,891
Whoa, whoa, whoa!
What do we got?
972
00:44:54,893 --> 00:44:56,859
It's like a hurricane
down there!
973
00:44:56,861 --> 00:44:59,896
It's throwing the r.O.V. Around
like a rag doll.
974
00:44:59,898 --> 00:45:03,099
Chobot:
Something just turned the lake
floor into a washing machine
975
00:45:03,101 --> 00:45:06,469
And kicked up
a 30-foot cloud of muck.
976
00:45:06,471 --> 00:45:09,472
There has to be
something here.
977
00:45:09,474 --> 00:45:11,007
Where is this thing?
978
00:45:11,009 --> 00:45:14,877
Whatever it was,
it has to be close.
979
00:45:14,879 --> 00:45:17,280
We pivot the r.O.V.
In every direction
980
00:45:17,282 --> 00:45:19,949
And continue to patrol
the lake floor.
981
00:45:19,951 --> 00:45:28,991
♪♪
982
00:45:28,993 --> 00:45:32,261
I think it's gone.
I think we lost it
983
00:45:32,263 --> 00:45:34,864
And I'm not seeing
anything.
984
00:45:37,068 --> 00:45:38,868
We continue to scan the lake bed
985
00:45:38,870 --> 00:45:42,672
Using up every bit of charge
on our r.O.V. Unit.
986
00:45:42,674 --> 00:45:46,075
Whatever we encountered earlier
seems to have evaded us.
987
00:45:46,077 --> 00:45:48,377
With no way
to further explore the depths,
988
00:45:48,379 --> 00:45:51,047
We have no choice
but to call it a day.
989
00:45:51,049 --> 00:45:56,152
♪♪
990
00:45:56,154 --> 00:46:01,324
♪♪
991
00:46:01,326 --> 00:46:04,894
Gates: Water covers 71%
of our planet's surface,
992
00:46:04,896 --> 00:46:08,698
But its mysterious depths
remain a world of their own.
993
00:46:08,700 --> 00:46:11,000
Many scientists call
this underwater realm
994
00:46:11,002 --> 00:46:13,836
The final frontier
of our planet.
995
00:46:13,838 --> 00:46:16,339
But has champ,
a colossal creature,
996
00:46:16,341 --> 00:46:20,243
Managed to elude our detection
for thousands of years?
997
00:46:20,245 --> 00:46:22,211
After retrieving
and reviewing the footage
998
00:46:22,213 --> 00:46:25,081
From the infrared cameras
left rolling in the marsh,
999
00:46:25,083 --> 00:46:26,949
My team found
no further evidence
1000
00:46:26,951 --> 00:46:29,685
That a large creature
made landfall,
1001
00:46:29,687 --> 00:46:33,055
Though phil did share the photos
of the drag marks with his peers
1002
00:46:33,057 --> 00:46:36,092
And no one could identify
what could've made them.
1003
00:46:36,094 --> 00:46:39,495
And after enhancing the footage
caught on the r.O.V. Camera...
1004
00:46:39,497 --> 00:46:41,297
Whoa, whoa, whoa!
What do we got?
1005
00:46:41,299 --> 00:46:44,100
...The animal that kicked up
a massive cloud of sediment
1006
00:46:44,102 --> 00:46:46,169
Could not be identified.
1007
00:46:46,171 --> 00:46:49,639
We came out here looking for
a champ experience
1008
00:46:49,641 --> 00:46:50,907
And we got one.
1009
00:46:50,909 --> 00:46:53,075
I just wish we would've gotten
a better look at it.
1010
00:46:53,077 --> 00:46:55,812
If a champ experience
is seeing something giant
1011
00:46:55,814 --> 00:46:59,048
And unknown swimming
in the water, then absolutely.
1012
00:46:59,050 --> 00:47:01,884
If I had to make a bet,
1013
00:47:01,886 --> 00:47:05,855
I would say maybe it's a giant
record-breaking sturgeon
1014
00:47:05,857 --> 00:47:08,758
That are taking people
by surprise, myself included.
1015
00:47:08,760 --> 00:47:10,960
A frightening-looking fish
in its own right,
1016
00:47:10,962 --> 00:47:14,263
Sturgeon sightings are nearly
as elusive as the lake monster
1017
00:47:14,265 --> 00:47:18,334
It's undoubtedly
sometimes mistaken for.
1018
00:47:18,336 --> 00:47:21,370
But for centuries,
highly-credible reports of champ
1019
00:47:21,372 --> 00:47:24,273
Have persisted.
There's even that famous photo
1020
00:47:24,275 --> 00:47:26,809
That scholars
are unable to explain,
1021
00:47:26,811 --> 00:47:29,979
Luring many to a more
fantastic explanation.
1022
00:47:29,981 --> 00:47:32,448
I think that it's an ancient
creature of some sort
1023
00:47:32,450 --> 00:47:37,019
That, in my opinion, has managed
to adapt to the area,
1024
00:47:37,021 --> 00:47:40,089
Got stuck in their back
when it was part of the sea
1025
00:47:40,091 --> 00:47:42,358
That they haven't been able
to identify
1026
00:47:42,360 --> 00:47:44,527
That people refer to
as champ.
1027
00:47:44,529 --> 00:47:46,762
I don't know.
1028
00:47:46,764 --> 00:47:48,764
With so much
of the underwater world
1029
00:47:48,766 --> 00:47:51,701
Hidden from our curious watch,
don't be surprised
1030
00:47:51,703 --> 00:47:55,972
If one day the mystery of champ
finally breaks the surface.
1031
00:47:58,643 --> 00:48:00,977
For more information
on "expedition x,"
1032
00:48:00,979 --> 00:48:04,180
Head to
discovery.Com/expeditionx.