Keith Jessop

Keith Jessop (1933–2010) was a British underwater salvage diver, particularly noted for his work in recovering items from sunken ships. He is most famous for his recovery of gold from the wreck of the British cruiser HMS Edinburgh.

Early life

Jessop was born in Keighley, West Yorkshire, England in 1933. He developed an interest in diving at a young age, and pursued this passion throughout his life.

Career

Jessop's career in underwater salvage began in the 1960s. He founded the company Marine Salvage Services, which specialized in the recovery of valuable items from shipwrecks. His work took him to locations all over the world, including the North Sea, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Indian Ocean.

HMS Edinburgh

In 1981, Jessop and his team recovered a large amount of gold bullion from the wreck of the HMS Edinburgh, which had been sunk during World War II. The operation was one of the most successful of its kind, with the value of the recovered gold estimated at over £45 million.

Later life and death

Jessop retired from diving in the late 1990s, but remained active in the field as a consultant and author. He published a memoir, Goldfinder, in 2001, detailing his experiences in underwater salvage. Jessop died in 2010 at the age of 77.

Legacy

Jessop's work in underwater salvage has had a lasting impact on the field. His techniques and methods continue to be used by divers today, and his successful recovery operations have set a high standard for future salvage efforts.

See also

• List of treasure hunters
• Shipwreck
• Maritime archaeology

References

• Goldfinder by Keith Jessop and Neil Hanson (2001)
• The World's Greatest Treasure Hunt: Quest for the Golden Eagle by Ron Shore (2010)