Legendary French diver dies at 74

Published December 24, 2001

ROME, Dec 23: Legendary French diver Jacques Mayol, who inspired the deep sea adventure film “The Big Blue”, was found dead after hanging himself in his Mediterranean home.

Mayol, who had also held several world records in free diving without the use of a breathing apparatus, was discovered by a neighbour in the town of Calone on the island of Elba, they said.

His Italian friend and rival Umberto Pelizzari said the 74-year-old Mayol had been depressed in recent months.

“He said he felt alone but never did I imagine he would do something like this,” Pelizzari told the Italian news agency Ansa from Brazil. “I considered him my master.”—AFP

Opinion

Editorial

GB polls’ aftermath
Updated 11 Jun, 2026

GB polls’ aftermath

The new administration must address the region’s issues proactively.
Peace in retreat
11 Jun, 2026

Peace in retreat

THE ceasefire announced in April was supposed to create space for negotiations. Instead, it has been repeatedly...
A few good men
11 Jun, 2026

A few good men

IT was a brave move, no doubt. This Tuesday, in the land of the Afghan Taliban, a few good men decided to take a...
Centre vs provinces
Updated 10 Jun, 2026

Centre vs provinces

The reason the centre finds itself in this position is rooted in its failure to expand the tax net and boost revenues.
Party in crisis
10 Jun, 2026

Party in crisis

THE young KP chief minister must be starting to realise just how thorny a seat he occupies. There has been a flurry...
Varsity woes
10 Jun, 2026

Varsity woes

FINANCIAL crises affecting public sector universities across Pakistan are now having an impact on academic...