Philippe Cousteau first dived with an aqua-lung in 1945 at age four, following his father into the water before he could even swim. Throughout his life, he mastered filming from the air, land, and beneath the sea, serving as the lead cinematographer for the vast majority of the films produced during his father’s career.
Early Development and Training
Born in Toulon in 1940, Philippe spent his formative years aboard the RV Calypso during school vacations. His pursuit of aviation began at age 16 with glider training, later expanding to include licenses for balloons, hang gliders, seaplanes, and helicopters. His formal education included a stint at MIT followed by technical training in cinematography at the École nationale supérieure Louis-Lumière in Paris. He also served two years in the French Navy during the Algerian war, working as a sonar operator.
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In 1965, he participated as an Oceanaut for the Conshelf III project, conducting underwater filming for a National Geographic documentary. His technical expertise extended to the U.S. Navy’s SEALAB program in 1969, where he volunteered to assist with recovery efforts after the death of aquanaut Berry L. Cannon. Beyond filming, he authored the 1970 book, The Shark: Splendid Savage of the Sea, documenting his experiences in the Red Sea and Indian Ocean.
Cinematography and Aerial Operations
In 1974, he acquired a converted U.S. Navy PBY Catalina seaplane, christened the Flying Calypso. This amphibious aircraft served as both a film platform and a home base for his team, appearing in numerous documentaries. He co-produced projects like the 1976 film Voyage to the Edge of the World and hosted the 1977 PBS television series Oasis in Space, which focused on environmental conservation.
Final Accident and Legacy
Cousteau died on 28 June 1979 in Alverca do Ribatejo, Portugal, when his Catalina crashed in the Tagus river. Theories regarding the cause include mechanical failure or pilot error during a high-speed taxi run, though the official investigation remained inconclusive. He was survived by his wife, Janice Sullivan, and his children, Alexandra and Philippe Jr. His legacy is maintained by institutions like the Philippe Cousteau Anchor Museum in Spain and the Lycée Philippe Cousteau in France.
Fast facts
- Born: 1940, Toulon, France
- Died: 1979, Alverca do Ribatejo, Portugal
- Education: École nationale supérieure Louis-Lumière
- Spouse: Janice Sullivan
- Children: Alexandra Cousteau and Philippe Cousteau Jr.
- Notable Book: The Shark: Splendid Savage of the Sea
- Notable TV Series: Oasis in Space
Questions readers ask
What aircraft did Philippe Cousteau pilot?
He piloted a wide range of craft, including gliders, balloons, helicopters, and his preferred amphibious PBY Catalina flying boat, the Flying Calypso.
How did Philippe Cousteau die?
He died in 1979 following a crash of his PBY Catalina seaplane in the Tagus river near Lisbon, Portugal.
Achievements
- Worked as explorer, photographer and film director
