Drain the Oceans

The wreck is thought to be the lost flagship that sank during the War of 1812. An artist has uncovered her ancestor’s connection to the 1814 burning of the White House, and the discovery links her family to that historic event.

is a television programme presented as a single episode. Classified under the “episode” genre, the series adopts a documentary‑style approach to historical investigation, focusing on maritime mysteries and their wider cultural impact. The title hints at an exploration of events that have shaped both American and British histories, setting the stage for a narrative that intertwines a forgotten ship with a pivotal moment in the United States. The core of the episode centres on a shipwreck that many believe to be the lost flagship from the War of 1812. Researchers examine the wreck’s construction, location and artefacts, building a case that it could be the vessel that vanished during that conflict. Concurrently, an artist delves into her family history and discovers a startling connection: an ancestor who was directly involved in the burning of the White House. The programme follows her journey as she pieces together personal records and historical accounts, linking her lineage to that dramatic episode in American history. By weaving together the maritime mystery with the artist’s genealogical revelation, the episode highlights how seemingly unrelated events can intersect across centuries. It shows how a single wreck can serve as a tangible link to a war, while a modern creative pursuit can uncover a personal tie to a landmark moment like the White House fire. The narrative underscores the enduring resonance of past incidents in today’s cultural and artistic explorations.