The tight-knit diving community of Cairns and the broader marine world are in mourning following the death of a true underwater pioneer. Ian McRae, affectionately known as 'Macca', died while doing what he loved most: exploring a reef site near Cairns.
A Life Dedicated to the Depths
Ian McRae, 73, passed away on Tuesday, May 14, while diving at a location known as 'The Docks' near Sudbury Reef, approximately 45km east of Cairns. His body was recovered by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority after he failed to surface from a dive. The exact cause of his death is not yet known, with a report being prepared for the coroner.
McRae was no ordinary diver. He was a foundational figure in the Far North Queensland diving industry, whose career spanned over five decades. He was instrumental in the early days of technical and commercial diving in the region, working on critical projects like the undersea fibre optic cable between Cairns and Port Moresby. His expertise was sought after for complex underwater construction, maintenance, and salvage operations.
The Humble Pioneer and His Legacy
Despite his monumental achievements and the risks inherent in his work, friends and colleagues remember McRae as a remarkably humble and calm professional. He was renowned for his meticulous approach to safety, often developing and refining the very procedures that would become standard in the industry. His knowledge of the local marine environment, from currents to reef structures, was considered encyclopaedic.
Tributes have flowed from across Australia. Fellow diving legend and friend, John Harding, spoke of McRae's incredible coolness under pressure and his willingness to tackle jobs others would avoid. Harding recounted how McRae's innovative techniques and homemade equipment solutions in the industry's early days saved countless lives and set new benchmarks for safety.
McRae was also a passionate explorer of the Great Barrier Reef. His recent dives were driven by a pure love for discovery, often involving detailed mapping and documentation of little-known sites. His death occurred while he was engaged in this very pursuit of exploration, a testament to his lifelong passion for the underwater world.
A Community Remembers Its Quiet Hero
The news has sent waves of grief through the Cairns community, where McRae was a respected and familiar figure. He was a man who shunned the spotlight, preferring his work and the sea to any form of recognition. His legacy, however, is indelible.
He is remembered not just for his technical prowess, but for his character: a quiet, determined, and incredibly capable individual who built a reputation on reliability and skill. His contributions helped shape the commercial diving industry in Northern Australia and elevated safety standards for everyone who followed.
As investigations into the specific circumstances of his death continue, the focus for his many friends and the wider industry remains on celebrating an extraordinary life. Ian 'Macca' McRae's story is one of quiet courage, profound expertise, and an enduring love for the mysteries of the deep—a legacy that will continue to inspire divers and explorers in Cairns and beyond for generations to come.
