Featured Image Credit: Sharkwater Extinction Production
By Natalie Helbling
Sharkwater is a film about global shark-hunting that puts sharks in the conservation spotlight. It takes a brave soul to travel to the depths of the oceans filming these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Rob Stewart was the man behind it all. Stewart dedicated his life to not only shark conservation, but ocean conservation. His heart was set on educating the public on the importance of these large ocean dwelling predators. After Sharkwater‘s amazing success, Stewart went on a mission to film Sharkwater: Extinction. This new documentary would include species that are rarely filmed and considered endangered. His goal was to put the spotlight on species like the sawfish, to promote awareness, and increase conservation methods.
Stewart and three other dive buddies were off the coast in the keys, near the island of Islamorada, diving to capture new footage on the sawfish. After a long extensive day of diving, the group surfaced and were about to return to the boat.
Instead of using the typical SCUBA diving equipment, the well-trained divers had used a rebreathing system that allows further depths to be reached for longer periods of time. Although all diving situations have potential risks, rebreathing systems are often a little more risky.
Once the team resurfaced, problems began occurring. One of Stewart’s dive buddies was unconscious. As the crew on the boat took action and returned to collect the men from the ocean, Stewart was no longer in sight. He was reported missing on Tuesday night while search teams on land, in the air, on the water, and under the water set out to find him. After three long days of searching, hope was diminishing.
It was Friday evening when the U.S Coast Guard found Stewart at a depth of 220 feet below the surface using an ROV.
Stewart’s family graciously thanked everyone who was involved in the search for their loved one. The Sharkwater family, ocean conservationists, shark lovers, and people all over the world are mourning the loss of this wonderful man.
Stewart once said, “Conservation is the preservation of life on earth, and that, above all else, is worth fighting for.” We thank Stewart for his heart and dedication for the ocean. We all have big shoes to fill in order to continue protecting and fighting for what Stewart loved. He will be truly missed in the marine community.