Nostalgia (2): remembering Cousteau
When we were much younger many of us became attracted to the mysterious underwater world after reading Jacques Cousteau's book 'Le Monde du Silence' (The Silent World). Later followed by the documentary with the same title, by Cousteau and Louis Malle. We still keep vivid memories of Cousteau and his two diving companions Frédéric Dumas and Philippe Tailliez. And all the men with their funny red caps exploring the oceans on the Calypso, a rebuilt mine sweeper with its famous captain Albert Falco (see picture above) who died in 2012 in Marseille. And of course, Cousteau’s commentaries in perfect English with that typical heavy French accent: 'We have become ze Cosmonauts of ze Sea'
Cousteau was also aware of the dangers that threatened the sea which he described in his book 'La Mer Blessée' (The Wounded Sea). Our planet has changed since Cousteau, but the fascinating underwater world is still there despite the damage done to its inhabitants and coral reefs. Its remaining splendours have even become more accessible and visible than in the days of Cousteau. Thanks to better travel facilities, photographical equipment and last but not least numerous excellent underwater pictures taken by the professionals as well as amateur photographers