Well-Known Florida Keys Visionary Joe Weatherby Passes Away

Joseph Patrick Weatherby

November 10, 1961 – February 13, 2024

A charismatic visionary, diver, ship wrecker, and enthusiastic yet unsuccessful treasure hunter, Captain Joe Weatherby of Key West, Florida dedicated his life to saving our seas.

Weatherby was born November 10, 1961 in New Jersey. Inspired by underwater heroes like Jacques Cousteau and tales of pirates, coupled with his yearning for adventure and hustling at the family marina in Avalon.  Joe became fascinated with the depths of the sea. His first breath underwater came shortly after moving to Key West in 1985, and from there on he stayed submerged.

On his mission to protect the ocean and with a passion for history, Weatherby made a name for himself through his work as a “shipwrecker,” transforming retired military ships into underwater ecosystems. Sinking projects included the largest ship in the Florida Keys, the 523’ Vandenberg, retired Coast Guard cutter and WWII ship Mohawk resting off the coast of Fort Myers, Florida, and the Annapolis, a 317’ Destroyer laying in about 100’ in British Columbia. Each created marine life habitats and world class recreational diving sites.  But getting the vessel to the ocean floor was only the beginning. Joe continued to draw attention to the wrecks he sank, as well as other diving locations. He was very creative and understood the economic value of good marketing, bringing different groups together, and the importance of developing fun new projects.

He collaborated with veterans and adaptive diving organizations to host  Formula H2O Racing underwater scooter races using diver propulsion vehicles (DPV). These family orientated events held in the Florida Keys and around the state, helped those transitioning to changes in their lives bond through competition while enjoying a water environment.

Weatherby successfully partnered with award winning artist, Andreas Franke, to create a variety of underwater art exhibitions that were placed on ships and visited by divers. These installments allowed divers to swim through an art gallery and cultural enthusiasts to get a glimpse of the underwater world. After being “seasoned by the sea,” the images were brought up and put on display for land-lovers to enjoy.

Another Weatherby brainchild was to test the theory that pressure would enhance the taste of rum if the barrel spent time at depth. This project yielded “Wrecker Rum” by the Key West First Legal Rum Distillery and was enjoyed during a special tasting at the 2015 Florida Artificial Reef Summit.  These are just a few of the brilliant endeavors designed to drive tourism and continued interest in underwater landmarks. In addition to his events, Joe promoted the DEMA Ships2Reefs projects and programs, and gave countless presentations on the benefits of artificial reefing, including at the History of Diving Museum. He believed using all these methods enhanced ocean conservation, saved marine ecosystems, and exposed people to the magic of the sea.

Weatherby was a Key West resident and boat captain for almost 40 years, the President of Artificial Reefs International, and long-time Sanctuary Advisory Council member representing Tourism in the Lower Keys for the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Out of the water, Weatherby has taught English in Japan, rode Elephants in Thailand, worked on fishing boats in Alaska, bartended in the Keys, and had a short stint as a financial planner.

Surrounded by family and friends, Joe Weatherby passed away as the sun set on Tuesday, February 13, 2024. Per Joe’s wishes, his family only asks for good vibes and sunshine as they navigate this monumental loss. The Weatherby family will host a celebration of life, to be scheduled at a later date.

Fair weather and following seas, my friend.

For media inquiry, contact Natalie Weatherby at natalieoriente@gmail.com.