Spent decades at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and later joined the University of Rhode Island. The Titanic and the "Secret" Mission
Born in Wichita, Kansas in 1942, Ballard’s path to the deep sea began in San Diego. His fascination with the ocean was ignited at age 12 by the Disney film 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea . He grew up dreaming of being Captain Nemo, a goal he pursued through a unique combination of military service and high-level science.
The massive German battleship, found in water 4,000 feet deeper than the Titanic.
Bob Ballard: An Explorer's Life May 2026
Spent decades at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and later joined the University of Rhode Island. The Titanic and the "Secret" Mission
Born in Wichita, Kansas in 1942, Ballard’s path to the deep sea began in San Diego. His fascination with the ocean was ignited at age 12 by the Disney film 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea . He grew up dreaming of being Captain Nemo, a goal he pursued through a unique combination of military service and high-level science. Bob Ballard: An Explorer's Life
The massive German battleship, found in water 4,000 feet deeper than the Titanic. Spent decades at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution