Pioneering Shipwreck Explorer Richard Larn Dies Aged 94

Larn was widely regarded as the father of modern shipwreck research in the UK, a reputation built over decades of exploration, scholarship, and advocacy. According to his long-established biography as recorded by Wikipedia’s entry on Richard Larn OBE, he was born in September 1930 and became a defining figure in both commercial and recreational diving, particularly through his pioneering surveys of historic wrecks around the British Isles.

Confirmation of his death emerged through posts shared within established UK diving networks, including tributes circulated by the Plymouth diving community and event organisers closely connected to Britain’s diving heritage.

A life spent beneath the waves

Richard Larn’s influence on diving extended far beyond the act of exploration itself. At a time when shipwrecks were often treated as little more than treasure troves or navigational hazards, he championed the idea that wrecks were underwater historical sites deserving of research, documentation, and protection. His work helped reshape attitudes toward submerged heritage and laid the groundwork for modern maritime archaeology.

During his career, Larn was involved in the investigation and documentation of hundreds of wreck sites, particularly around Cornwall, Devon, and the English Channel. His research often combined firsthand diving experience with meticulous archival work, setting a standard that many later researchers would follow.

He was also a prolific author. His books on shipwrecks, naval losses, and maritime history became essential references for divers, historians, and archaeologists alike. For many UK divers, Larn’s writing served as a first introduction to the idea that a dive could be both an adventure and a journey into history.

Shaping legislation and preservation

Beyond exploration and writing, Larn played a crucial role in influencing how wrecks are legally protected in UK waters. His research contributed directly to the recognition of the need for formal safeguards for historically significant sites, helping to shape early thinking around wreck designation and controlled access.

This combination of diver, historian, and advocate made him a rare figure capable of bridging the gap between sport diving and academic research. His work demonstrated that divers could play a responsible role in recording and preserving the past rather than exploiting it.

A lasting legacy

Tributes from across the diving world describe Larn as generous with his knowledge and passionate about encouraging responsible exploration. Many of today’s wreck divers, authors, and maritime researchers trace their inspiration directly back to his books or lectures.

Richard Larn’s passing marks the end of an era for British diving, but his influence will continue every time a diver approaches a wreck not just as a dive site, but as a chapter of history resting quietly beneath the sea.