17 December 1967 began like any other summer Sunday—until Australia’s Prime Minister vanished in front of witnesses. Episode 2 takes you inside those first critical hours: the moment Holt went under, the panic on the beach, the frantic calls for help, and the search teams fighting losing conditions they could barely stand in.

What followed was confusion, disbelief, and the sudden realisation that something impossible had happened—a national leader was missing, and no one knew why. Helicopters, naval divers, police, locals—everyone converged on Cheviot in a rescue effort that became a recovery effort in minutes.

This episode captures the shock, the urgency, and the stark reality of a country watching a crisis unfold in real time.

The moment he disappeared is only the beginning.

Credits

Voiceover, production & editorial direction by Stephen Johns.

Historical research & script development by Steve Hart & Alex G.

Archival materials sourced from:

– National Archives of Australia

– Parliamentary Library

– Trove

– Australian War Memorial

– ASIO & diplomatic releases

Music Credits:

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators)

Flow State — Simon Folwar

License: QQG51NUDCUGLI06S

Electromagnetic Interference — Adi Goldstein

License: WTIPXHJVL9NHTKRP

Avalanche — Allalo

License: KQ5D6VNOHJ2PBALJ

Slinky Crunch — Sky Cassette

License: URXGJXTWPYLL1ZWA

Do What You're Supposed To — West Valley Shakers

License: J1J297QWUUQODIWA

Gillespie comments courtesy ABC News In-Depth.

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