Frank Pope

Frank Pope is the Oceans Correspondent for the Times, and has worked on underwater expeditions all over the world under the auspices of Oxford MARE (Maritime Archaeological Research and Excavation), including the excavation of Lord Nelson's flagship Agamemnon.

With a degree in Zoology from Edinburgh University, Frank began working in coral conservation but soon became absorbed by the world of shipwreck investigation. It was a fascination sparked by his father Maurice Pope, a classicist and decipherer of ancient texts, who had led the first ever academic underwater investigation in 1953.

Frank has over 1500 logged dives, and is a qualified Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV) pilot. He has worked on maritime archaeological projects in Uruguay, Cape Verde, Greece, Italy, Vietnam and Mozambique. He divides his time between London and Nairobi.

He is the author of two books: Dragon Sea: A True Tale Of Treasure, Archaeology And Greed Off The Coast Of Vietnam (2008) and 72 Hours: The First-hand Account Of A Royal Navy Misson To Save The Crew Of A Trapped Russian Submarine (2013).