- Ben Cropp
Ben Cropp (born
7 January 1936 ) is anAustralia n former shark hunter and six-time Australianspearfishing champion, having retired from that trade in 1962 to pursue oceanic documentaryfilmmaking (having produced some 150 wildlife documentaries) and conservation efforts. One of his efforts forThe Disney Channel , "The Young Adventurers", was nominated for anEmmy award.In 1977, he discovered the wreck of HMS "Pandora", almost concurrently with American explorer Steve Domm. He also lays claim to over 100 other
shipwreck discoveries.In 1999, he was created a member of the
Order of Australia for his marine and coastal conservation efforts, and for the promotion and awareness of the Australian marine environment.In 2000, he was inducted into the International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame's inaugural induction, sharing the honour with
Jacques-Yves Cousteau , among others.On
September 4 ,2006 , he commented to the media on the possible circumstances of contemporarySteve Irwin 's death. After reviewing footage of the incident and speaking with the cameraman who filmed it, Cropp offered the following:He currently resides in Port Douglas,
Queensland .References
* [http://www.bencropp.com.au/ Ben Cropp's] personal home page
* [http://www.itsanhonour.gov.au/honours/honour_roll/search.cfm?aus_award_id=878227&search_type=quick&showInd=true Order of Australia] citation for Benjamin Cropp
* [http://www.scubahalloffame.com/hof/ben_cropp.html International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame's] induction page for Cropp
* [http://www.qm.qld.gov.au/features/pandora/wreck/01_wreck.asp Queensland Museum] story on the discovery of HMS Pandora
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