Bob Ballard

Robert Duane Ballard: Explorer and Oceanographer

Early Life and Career

Robert Duane Ballard, born June 30, 1942, is a retired American Navy officer and professor of oceanography at the University of Rhode Island. Ballard spent 19 years as a freelance sport news and music presenter for the BBC and held university lecturing positions.

Titanic Expedition

Ballard is known for his groundbreaking exploration and discovery of the wreckage of the Titanic in 1985. His team used a remotely operated submersible to locate the ship's remains on the ocean floor.

Second Expedition

In 1999, Ballard returned to the Titanic using an advanced submersible, the Deep Sea Challenger. This expedition revealed new details about the wreck, including the ship's interior.

Legacy

Ballard's discoveries have significantly contributed to our understanding of the Titanic's sinking and have inspired countless people around the world. He is widely recognized as one of the most renowned explorers and oceanographers of our time.