The Observer · True Crime

Spiral | Tortoise Investigates

When she was 12, the actor Nkechi Simms' mother handed her over to Camden Council and she was placed in foster care. Now she wants to find out what happened to her and why. The only way she can do this is by getting hold of her care records. But that’s easier said than done. And will those records answer her questions? The home of investigative podcasts from Tortoise, from Sweet Bobby to Lucky Boy. Listen to the latest original series from Tortoise, including We call her Emma and The Mandelson files. To binge listen to all episodes today, ad-free, subscribe to The Observer and use the code AUDIO50 for 50% off an annual digital subscription. You'll get access to: This series and all our podcasts before anyone else Ad-free listening A daily edition, curated by our editors 7 days a week Puzzles from the inventors of the cryptic crossword Recipes for every occasion Free tickets to join Observer events in our newsroom or online Or subscribe to Observer+ on Apple Podcasts and Spotify for access to this series and ad-free listening to Observer podcasts. Reported by Ashley John-Baptiste and Madeleine Parr Produced and written by Madeleine Parr Sound design by Simon Panayi Artwork by Jon Hill The editor is Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episodes

Lydia Gard investigates a controversial video posted by freedivers Vitomir Maricic and Petar Klover, which depicts Petar suffering a deep blackout and lung squeeze, sparking debate about the glorification of dangerous practices in the sport. Sam Xenopho, a Greek pool and depth diver, expresses her concern that the vide...

Don’t hold your breath | Deep Water Ep4

02 Dec 2025

26m

AI processed

Lydia Gard from Tortoise Investigates and The Observer presents the fourth episode of "Deep Water," titled "Don't Hold Your Breath," where she investigates doping allegations in freediving. She speaks with Boris Spajic, a Croatian freediver and former national team coach, about his views on performance-enhancing drugs ...

In the bag | Deep Water Ep3

25 Nov 2025

30m

AI processed

This episode of Deep Water investigates a doping scandal within the world of competitive freediving, focusing on Will Trubridge, the organizer of the Vertical Blue competition, and his efforts to combat the use of performance-enhancing drugs. The investigation centers on two Croatian divers suspected of using benzodiaz...

Fair Play | Deep Water Ep2

18 Nov 2025

25m

AI processed

In this episode of "Deep Water," Lydia Gard investigates potential doping in the world of competitive freediving, focusing on rumors surrounding Croatian divers Petar Klover and his coach Vitamir Maricic. The episode explores the controversy surrounding their rapid success, unusual training methods, and the alleged use...

Depth Wish | Deep Water Ep1

18 Nov 2025

25m

AI processed

"Deep Water," a podcast from Tortoise Investigates and The Observer, explores the growing concerns around potential doping in the competitive freediving community. Narrated by Lydia Gard, the podcast investigates a doping scandal that occurred at the Vertical Blue competition in the Bahamas, where a Croatian team was f...

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Spiral | Tortoise Investigates

Episodes

The fallout | Foundling Ep 4

In the blood | Foundling Ep 3

Under one roof | Foundling Ep 2

On the verge | Foundling Ep 1

Introducing... Foundling

The Missing Book | The Walkers Ep7

Bonus... subscriber exclusive Q&A

The Letters | The Walkers Ep6

The French Quarter | The Walkers Ep5

The Miracle | The Walkers Ep4

Cider at Haye | The Walkers Ep3

On the path | The Walkers Ep2

The Missing Money | The Walkers Ep1

Introducing... The Walkers: The real Salt Path

In good faith | Deep Water Ep6

Click Bait | Deep Water Ep5

Don’t hold your breath | Deep Water Ep4

In the bag | Deep Water Ep3

Fair Play | Deep Water Ep2

Depth Wish | Deep Water Ep1