Shipwreck Diver, Attorney Joe Mazraani Dies
According to his company, on Tuesday, July 29, Joe Mazraani, a criminal defense lawyer and shipwreck diver from New Jersey who is renowned for overturning an innocent man’s murder conviction, passed away in a diving-related incident.
Joe Mazraani, the captain
Timothy Puskas, on the right, with Joseph Mazraani, his lawyer
The team aboard the D/V Tenacious, the Point Pleasant-based dive vessel he led for more than ten years, said in a statement Friday, Aug. 1, that Mazraani, co-founder of Atlantic Wreck Salvage, died during a deep-sea dive about 200 miles offshore, on the eastern edge of Georges Bank.
Mazraani and his group were investigating a wreck they named The Big Engine Steamer when the incident happened. His crew stated that all signs lead to a medical issue, but no specifics were given. They also added that there is currently no cause to assume diver error or equipment failure. A thorough investigation is in progress.
Mazraani was a renowned criminal defense lawyer in addition to being an experienced diver.
Timothy Puskas, who was found guilty eight years prior of killing 22-year-old college student William Billy McCaw in New Brunswick, was set free by Mazraani in 2024. Mazraani released him after he had been imprisoned for ten years.
The D/V Tenacious team commented, “We share with our community that Captain Joe Mazraani has left this world with profound sadness and an indescribable sense of loss.” The size of Joe Mazraani was enormous. He was generous, kind, and kind. A friend, brother, son, partner, mentor, and pupil.
The team’s most recent discovery, which was documented in the book The Adriatic Affair: A Maritime Hit-And-Run Off the Coast of Nantucket, was one of the numerous shipwrecks that Mazraani assisted in locating and salvaging off the East Coast, demonstrating his leadership abilities outside of the courtroom.
The crew said that Joe expected the best of everyone around him, whether he was driving aboard the D/V Tenacious, diving into deep and hazardous water, or defending his clients in court. He always demanded by example, although occasionally he made grumpy demands.
The memorial, written by his longterm companion Jenn Sellitti on behalf of Atlantic Wreck Salvage and D/V Tenacious, characterized Mazraani’s last dive as a mirror of their shared existence, one that was fueled by passion, discovery, and purpose rather than a risk taken carelessly.
She remarked that none of us wanted to die doing what he loved. He desired to live through it and become old while doing it. However, living on the edge might occasionally cause the edge to push back.
Regarding the future of D/V Tenacious, no decisions have been taken. In order to preserve the history and heritage of the dives they have done with Mazraani over the past ten years, the crew said they will continue to maintain their page and website.
According to Sellitti, the picture below was one of the final ones shot of Joe. His happiest spot is on the bow of D/V Tenacious, where the ocean is as smooth as glass and he is surrounded by the people he loves. This is how you remember him.
