Ian Wilmont

Ian was born in UK, 1968. His first contact with water was at four years old and then was competing in the Inter Schools Swim Challenge, against others up to sixteen year old. He won all heats and was presented a trophy by the Lord Mayor, initiation into subsequent careers at sea! Ian soon started working at the local pool as a lifeguard during the summer holidays until he was 16 when he joined the British Royal Navy, following in the footsteps of his father, grandfather and uncle who were all divers. He served in the Royal Navy for 19 years working his way through ranks until he was injured in the line of duty, causing him to leave. He then went to work at a private munitions and explosive company for a few years, after which he trained to become an underwater engineer and worked all over the world. He took part in the initial construction of Dubai's 5 star hotel called Burj-Al-Arab. In 2001 Ian set off on his own, in Spain, purchased a large vessel, spent a year refitting it with walk-in wet rooms, en-suite cabins for 30 passengers, cinema and bar, then operated dive charter trips from Gibraltar to North Africa. After ten years he established Octopus Diving Centre, in Bolonia. He has discovered many underwater artifacts in the Roman ruins close to Bolonia beach. Ian has now found his calling as a treasure hunter, exploring unknown deeps to uncover secrets of the past.