A fresh documentary revisits the gripping true tale of a U.S. Navy submarine catastrophe and the crew members who made it out alive
“Crush Depth: The USS Chopper Incident,” a newly released documentary that explores one of the most remarkable survival accounts in the history of the U.S. Navy’s submarine fleet, is currently accessible for streaming or digital purchase via Prime Video.
Back in 1969, the USS Chopper, a Navy submarine stationed near the Cuban coast, unexpectedly dove toward dangerous depths. As the vessel headed toward what seemed like an inevitable collapse, those on board braced for the end. During the chaos, a single crew member faced an unimaginable decision—one that held the potential to rescue everyone or doom them all.
Drawing on powerful and intimate recollections from the individuals who lived through it, “Crush Depth: The USS Chopper Incident” delivers a compelling narrative of disaster, bravery, and an astonishing turn of events that no one aboard ever thought feasible.
On September 10, AMS Pictures arranged a Dallas screening of the film, uniting eight of the USS Chopper’s deep divers, who are highlighted in the story, alongside their loved ones. That occasion provided a chance to honor the sailors, present the movie to those most connected to the events, and pay tribute to an incident that has stayed largely hidden from public view outside submarine circles for over fifty years.
“We’ve been waiting 57 years for this story to come out,” said Rolan Cook, one of the survivors. “And we are beyond thrilled by this excellent production.”
“It was emotional,” added Dan Duncan, another survivor.
“It was hard for us to watch, but it was absolutely perfect,” said Jack Merrill, a torpedoman who survived. “There are a lot of things that go on that don’t get told. This needed to be told.”
Crush Depth weaves together direct interviews, historical footage, and vivid narrative techniques to immerse viewers in the experience of the USS Chopper as the crew deals with a fast-moving emergency located a thousand feet below the ocean’s surface.
The film is helmed by writer-director Brad Osborne, produced by Marisa Thomas, and executive produced by Andy Streitfeld.
The documentary is now offered for rental or purchase on Prime Video.
About AMS Pictures
AMS Pictures is a Dallas-headquartered full-service multimedia production firm that focuses on independent documentaries and unscripted programming for outlets including Lifetime, PBS, REELZ, History, and others. Notable original series and specials feature “Hindenburg: The Cover-Up,” "#TextMeWhenYouGetHome," "Karen Carpenter: Starving for Perfection" and "I Am Alive: Surviving the Andes Plane Crash."
Amanda Metz
AMS Pictures
press@amspictures.com
Crush Depth: The USS Chopper Incident Trailer
