Michael A. Decamp ’49

Mike deCamp died April 9, 2013, in Edenton, N.C., after a long, fascinating, and creative life. It’s not easy to describe all the amazing things he accomplished, but much of his work will be long remembered.

Mike entered Princeton in 1945, rowed on the varsity crew, and joined the Outing Club. He belonged to Cap and Gown, majored in psychology, and graduated in February 1949 with the first group of ’49ers to graduate after the war.

He married Wesley Martin Feb. 18, 1949. Mike was a pioneer in underwater shipwreck exploration, his lifelong obsession. In addition to his leadership on many shipwreck investigations, including his leadership of the first sport dive to the sunken Andrea Doria, he was a renowned art photographer with many photographic records of the sunken wrecks he explored. Several of these are included in Chick Kracht’s 50th yearbook, To 1999 and Beyond.

Mike’s achievements in underwater exploration have led many to describe him as “the father of East Coast wreck diving.” His art photographs can only add to his renown, and 1949 is proud to have known him. Wesley survives him, along with their two children, Carly and Jock, and three grandchildren.