The First of the Manfish 65 years ago

[Popeye]

The December 1948 Science Illustrated published an Illustrated article by Author James Dugan introducing Lieutenant de Vaisseau Jacques Yves Cousteau of the French Navy,"Cousteau Divers" and Cousteau's early black and white films, Par18 Metres de Fond (Sixty Feet Down) Epaves (Sunken Ships) and Paysage du Silence (Land of Silence) in Agacolor. Dugan went on to explain the "Cousteau Diving lung " had been available to hundreds of "Mediterranean Swimmers since 1946"and would soon be available to sportsman in the United States.

This article attracted the attention of the US Navy and academia and was the first published news of what we later called the "Aqua-Lung."

James Dugan and wife Ruth became the United States rep. for Cousteau and his ghost writers on many of his books including "The Silent World" book in 1953 and the movie in 1956,World without Sun" wish received Acadamy Awards in their catagories, Dugan also wrote other Books and articles on Cousteau with his own credit line.

James Dugan passed away in 1967,his wife Ruth passed away in 1995,their ashes were released at Sea off Bermuda in the Spring of 1996...

[SurfLung]

- It always amazes me how many great things begin with seemingly insignificant events. A magazine article, a chance meeting, etc.