Robert Sténuit

Robert Sténuit (born 1933) is a Belgian author, journalist, and pioneering underwater explorer. He is widely recognized as the first aquanaut, having spent over 24 hours underwater in the Mediterranean Sea in 1962.

Early life and education[edit | edit source]

Sténuit was born in Brussels, Belgium, in 1933. He developed an interest in scuba diving at a young age and pursued this passion throughout his life.

Career[edit | edit source]

In 1962, Sténuit participated in the Man-in-Sea Project, a pioneering underwater exploration project funded by the United States Navy. He spent over 24 hours in a submersible decompression chamber submerged in the Mediterranean Sea, earning him the title of the world's first aquanaut.

Following his underwater exploits, Sténuit turned to writing and journalism. He has written numerous books on underwater exploration and marine life, and has contributed to various international publications as a freelance journalist.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Sténuit's contributions to underwater exploration have been widely recognized. He was inducted into the International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame in 2000, and his books continue to inspire new generations of underwater explorers.