Leslie Leaney
It is with the greatest sadness that I report the passing of our friend and HDS USA Advisory Board member, Ernie Brooks, who passed away today, November 17, 2020.
ERNEST BROOKS II, one of America’s true pioneering underwater photographers, passed away from heart failure on November 17, 2020. He was 85.
Known throughout the international diving industry simply as “Ernie,” his career accomplishments and contributions encompassed underwater photography, education, environmental advocacy, mentorship, philanthropy, ocean conservation, all of which were combined in his role as an ambassador for the oceans.
His diving career took him under the polar ice caps, and into every ocean. His brilliant photography was exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Man, the National Maritime Museum, the Smithsonian, and numerous other international museums and galleries.
Ernie described his love of photography as a vehicle to new lands. When he took his photography underwater it became a vehicle to new worlds.
