In a world where the internet is saturated with viral videos and social media challenges, it's refreshing to see something as simple and wholesome as an underwater crab cam capturing the hearts and funny bones of millions across the globe. This is the story of Andy Burnell, an Aussie dad from Adelaide, whose creative use of a GoPro camera has turned into an international sensation.

Andy, an avid diver and employee at the Department for Environment and Water, began his underwater filming journey a few years ago when he decided to attach his GoPro to his crab nets. Curious to see the underwater happenings when he wasn't around, he never anticipated the rabbit hole this decision would lead him down. The footage he captured was filled with curious sea creatures, and it sparked an idea that would soon charm the world.


The journey to viral fame began with a festive twist. On a whim, Andy grabbed a snowman Christmas ornament and tied it to his bait setup before heading out to fish. The resulting Christmas video was just the beginning. Inspired by the footage, Andy realised that his underwater scenes needed a protagonist, and thus, Action Man Matt was born.


Andy crafted a small shark cage replica and experimented with various props before settling on an Action Man figurine, a beloved toy reminiscent of childhood adventures. Equipped with different diving gear, Action Man Matt became the show's star. With the warmer weather, Andy recently revived Matt from his winter hiatus and placed him back into the ocean's depths, much to the delight of his growing audience.


The footage of Action Man Matt's encounters with marine life, including small sharks and crabs, has been hilarious. A recent Facebook video posted by the Great Southern Reef Foundation quickly amassed close to three million views. Some viewers were initially fooled, thinking the diver was real and marvelling at the perceived size of the surrounding sea creatures. Comments poured in, praising Andy's creativity and the joy his project brought to viewers.

But it's not all fun and games. Andy's underwater escapades have also led to some unexpected encounters. In late 2022, he was shocked to discover footage of a juvenile great white shark following his kayak for several minutes. Unaware of the potential danger then, it was only after reviewing the footage that he realised how close he had come to one of the ocean's most formidable predators.

Despite the occasional thrill, Andy's primary goal remains to share the beauty of Adelaide's marine life. The Crab.e.cam has allowed him to capture candid moments of underwater creatures interacting with the camera and each other, undisturbed by a human presence. From crabs to stingrays, squid, and little Port Jackson sharks, the camera has become a window into a world that many of us would never have the chance to see up close.


As for the future of Action Man Matt and his underwater adventures, Andy is sure more ideas will come. The joy and laughter his videos bring are enough motivation to continue this unexpected journey. His love for sharing Adelaide's marine life is evident, and the world is all the better.
So, dear members of the Seniors Discount Club, have you ever stumbled upon a simple project that turned into something much bigger than expected? Have you found joy in sharing a hobby or passion with others, only to see it take on a life of its own? We'd love to hear your stories in the comments below. And if you haven't yet seen Andy Burnell's delightful underwater crab cam videos, we highly recommend diving into this viral sensation that's making waves worldwide.