The Current From the Titanic to the North Pole: a life of exploration
Feb 12, 2026
Joe MacInnis, Canadian physician and deep-sea explorer who dove under the North Pole and to wrecks like the Titanic, recounts a life chasing ‘sea fever.’ He describes the wonder of polar dives, the eerie scale of shipwrecks, close calls that taught the value of backup and teamwork, and why leadership and reverence for the ocean matter amid climate concerns.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
First Encounter That Sparked A Career
- Joe MacInnis describes his first ocean visit as mysterious, magical, and the start of lifelong "sea fever."
- That early scuba dive in the 1950s deeply enchanted him and launched his devotion to underwater exploration.
Leadership Trumps Technology
- Joe credits Jim Cameron as a modern ocean storyteller and leader who shifts public thinking about the sea.
- He highlights leadership and team selection as the core drivers of successful deep-sea expeditions.
Diving Beneath The North Pole
- Joe recounts diving beneath the geographic North Pole, seeing crystal-clear water and 100-metre visibility.
- He felt oneness, awe, and gratitude while noting every direction from that spot was south.
