Spence, Dr. E. Lee

Dr. E. Lee Spence found his first shipwrecks at age 12 and went on to become a pioneer of underwater archaeology. His discoveries range from Spanish galleons to the Hunley, which was the 1st sub in history to sink an enemy ship. Government officials described it as “the most important (underwater) archaeological discovery of the century.” Journalists have described him as an “underwater Indiana Jones,” the “real Dirk Pitt” of the Clive Cussler novels, and the “real Nathan Drake” of the video game “Uncharted.” He’s a recipient of a NOGI, which is considered the most prestigious award in diving. He’s authored numerous books on shipwrecks and is a founder of the International Diving Institute.