Netflix’s latest documentary, The Deepest Breath, takes audiences on a captivating voyage into the exhilarating yet perilous realm of freediving.
This extreme sport involves divers descending into vast bodies of water without any breathing apparatus, relying solely on their ability to hold their breath.
The documentary showcases the fierce competition among freedivers, challenging each other to reach unprecedented depths and break speed records with only a single breath.
The sport’s allure lies in the daring nature of the endeavor, but it also comes with inherent risks. The lack of oxygen and immense pressure as divers venture hundreds of feet below the water’s surface pose significant dangers.
Dive in. The Deepest Breath is now playing on @Netflix! pic.twitter.com/RcRFgiWF67
— A24 (@A24) July 19, 2023
One of the gravest concerns is the occurrence of blackouts, where a freediver loses consciousness underwater. Safety divers are stationed nearby, ready to assist in emergencies, but the inherent dangers are an inseparable part of the sport’s allure.
Alessia Zecchini: A Dream Realized
At the heart of The Deepest Breath is the inspiring story of Alessia Zecchini, a remarkable Italian freediver. From a young age, Zecchini dreamt of becoming a celebrated freediver, drawing inspiration from the legendary Russian freediver Natalia Molchanova.
Despite facing numerous challenges throughout her journey, Zecchini’s unwavering determination propelled her to become a renowned athlete in the world of freediving. Tragically, it was a profound personal loss during a dive that set the wheels in motion for the making of The Deepest Breath.
Zecchini’s quest for greatness led her to take on a daring challenge – conquering the infamous Blue Hole in Egypt’s Red Sea.
Already a world record holder, the Blue Hole presented a new level of difficulty for the ambitious freediver.
The site is not only famous for attracting freedivers from around the world but has also witnessed numerous fatalities in recent times.
Stephen Keenan: Guardian of the Depths
Enter Stephen Keenan, an adventurous spirit hailing from Ireland, who found his calling in the world of freediving while working as a scuba diving instructor in Dahab, Egypt.
A near-death experience during a dive prompted Keenan to transition to the role of a safety diver, dedicated to preserving lives in the depths. Destiny brought him and Zecchini together during the Vertical Blue freediving competition, forging a unique and profound connection between them.
Keenan served as the safety chief during the competition and offered to assist Zecchini, who was struggling with her dives. This encounter marked the beginning of an extraordinary partnership.
As coach and athlete, they trained together in Dahab, preparing for Zecchini’s ambitious dive into the Arch at the Blue Hole. Their professional relationship blossomed into a romantic one as they continued their pursuit of greatness.
A Tragic Turn of Events
On a fateful day, Zecchini embarked on a recreational dive into the Arch of the Blue Hole, with Keenan serving as her safety diver. The dive plan involved Zecchini descending 52 meters with the aid of a rope before swimming horizontally for 30 meters through the Arch.
Keenan would then meet her on the other side with another rope, guiding her safely to the surface. While Natalia Molchanova had previously performed this feat with a monofin, Zecchini aspired to accomplish it without one. However, fate had other plans that day.
A series of unforeseen events unfolded during the dive. Keenan descended 20 seconds later than intended, and Zecchini completed her horizontal swim 10 seconds faster than predicted. Consequently, she could not locate Keenan or the rope, and he eventually found her, bringing her to the surface.
Tragically, both of them had blacked out. Keenan had used his final moments of consciousness to ensure Zecchini was safely positioned on her back. His heroic act saved her life but, sadly, he succumbed to the depths, as revealed in the poignant conclusion of The Deepest Breath on Netflix.
Despite the heart-wrenching loss of Keenan, Zecchini continued her freediving journey with unyielding determination. Overcoming immense grief, she set an impressive 23 additional world records.
According to recent reports , Zecchini’s current record stands at an astounding 123 meters, achieved during the AIDA Oceanquest Philippines in the summer of 2023. Each milestone she accomplishes is dedicated to Stephen Keenan, a true guardian of the depths, whose legacy lives on through the achievements of the freediver he guided and loved.
Her incredible achievements are a testament to her resilience and serve as a tribute to the man who inspired and supported her every step of the way. As The Deepest Breath comes to a close, viewers witness the indomitable spirit of a freediver.
