Joe Mazraani, a fearless shipwreck diver, criminal defense attorney, and co-founder of Atlantic Wreck Salvage, died during a deep-sea expedition on July 29. He was 47.
The tragedy unfolded 200 miles off the eastern edge of Georges Bank, where Mazraani was diving to a wreck known as “The Big Engine Steamer.” His death, still under investigation, has shaken both the marine exploration world and the New Jersey legal community—where his wife, Jennifer Sellitti, serves as one of the state’s top public defenders.
Sellitti, who co-owns Atlantic Wreck Salvage, was aboard the D/V Tenacious, their dedicated exploration vessel, at the time of the incident.
The company confirmed Mazraani’s death in a somber statement, emphasizing that there’s “no reason to suspect diver error or equipment failure,” but that a full investigation is underway.
“Joe Mazraani was larger than life,” the statement read. “He was kind, compassionate, and generous. A mentor and a student, a friend, brother, son, and partner.”
A photo shared by Atlantic Wreck Salvage captured Mazraani’s final moments: standing at the bow of the Tenacious, looking out toward the Atlantic—his second home.
Born in Lebanon, Mazraani immigrated to the United States at 15. By the mid-1990s, he had become a certified diver and quickly became obsessed with the sunken vessels off the Northeast U.S. coast. His passion led to the founding of Atlantic Wreck Salvage and a career spent uncovering forgotten maritime history.
He led dives to some of the most famous shipwrecks in the world, including the SS Andrea Doria, RMS Lusitania, and the HMHS Britannic—the Titanic’s sister ship. One of his most celebrated efforts was the discovery and exploration of the German U-boat U-550.
“Shipwreck exploration is a way of life for Joe,” his bio once read. “The dive vessel Tenacious was specifically acquired and outfitted to accomplish several projects, including locating and exploring uncharted wrecks in the North Atlantic.”
Mazraani’s life, however, wasn’t confined to the sea. A criminal defense attorney by trade, he was known for his fierce commitment to justice and fairness, defending clients in some of New Jersey’s most high-profile cases.
The New Jersey Office of the Public Defender paid tribute to him in a heartfelt post:
“Joe was larger than life: fearless, kind, and deeply committed to justice. Our hearts are with Public Defender Sellitti and his loved ones.”
He was also an associate member of the Boston Sea Rovers, a prestigious nonprofit committed to marine conservation and education.
Friends and colleagues across both communities—legal and diving—described Mazraani as someone who demanded excellence from those around him, and lived with relentless purpose.
“Whether motoring aboard D/V Tenacious, diving into deep and dangerous water, or defending his clients in court, Joe demanded the best of everyone around him,” said Atlantic Wreck Salvage. “Sometimes he demanded it grumpily — but he always demanded by example.”
Now, the very sea that he gave his life to, keeps the memory of him alive.
Mazraani is survived by his wife, Jennifer, and the community of divers and defenders he inspired.
