The global diving community is mourning the loss of Nancy Easterbrook, a true pioneer of technical diving and one of the most influential figures in Caribbean diving. Known for her passion, innovation, and relentless drive to elevate the sport, Nancy’s impact reached far beyond the shores of Grand Cayman, where she built a legacy that will continue to shape diving for decades to come.
Nancy began diving in 1973, discovering what would become a lifelong calling beneath the surface. After moving to the Cayman Islands in 1994 with her children, Brandee and Walker, she founded Divetech. The dive operation became synonymous with quality training, technical expertise, and conservation leadership. Under her guidance, Divetech grew into a hub for both recreational and technical divers and earned international respect for its innovation and community spirit.
Her influence extended deeply into the world of technical diving, particularly through her work with rebreathers and freediving education. She co-authored early training manuals that helped formalize technical diving practices and safety standards, empowering a new generation of divers to explore deeper and longer with confidence.
In 2004, Nancy launched Inner Space, an annual event that brought together rebreather divers from around the globe for a week of exploration and education in Grand Cayman. The event quickly became a must-attend fixture on the international dive calendar, celebrated for its camaraderie, cutting-edge technology, and shared spirit of discovery.
One of her most lasting contributions to ocean conservation was her leadership in the USS Kittiwake project. This eight-year effort to acquire, prepare, and sink the 2,200-ton former US Navy vessel off Seven Mile Beach resulted in one of the Caribbean’s most famous artificial reefs and dive sites. The ship was successfully scuttled in 2011, creating a living testament to Nancy’s vision of combining environmental stewardship with sustainable dive tourism.
Together with her husband Jay, Nancy also oversaw the installation of the “Guardian of the Reef” statue at Lighthouse Point in 2015, another lasting symbol of her dedication to both art and the marine environment.
Nancy’s achievements earned her numerous honors, including induction into the Women Divers Hall of Fame in 2012 and the International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame in 2015. Yet those who knew her say her greatest strength was her generosity, humility, and the way she mentored others, especially women entering the diving industry.
Mark Evans of Divernet described her as “a powerhouse of positivity” and “a visionary who shaped the modern face of technical diving.”
As divers around the world remember Nancy Easterbrook, her influence lives on in every rebreather course, every technical dive, and every diver who has ever descended onto the decks of the Kittiwake.
Her passion for exploration and education changed diving forever, and for that, the ocean and all who love it will always be grateful.
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