Photo: Hans-Hass-Archive HIST
When discussing scuba legends, it’s hard not to mention Hans and Lotte Hass, a husband and wife team who were instrumental in bringing scuba to the attention of the wider public.
Hans Hass was born in Vienna, Austria, and was originally on the path to a more traditional vocation. In 1938, however, he met Guy Gilpatric, and American adventurer and novelist, who had taken up spearfishing, a growing sport at the time. Gilpatric ignited in Hass a strong interest in the ocean, which led him to work on the development of one of the first rebreathers, along with the German manufacturer Dräger, which still makes rebreathers. Hass was the first to use the design most manufacturers use today, wherein the entire unit sits on the diver’s back rather than placing the breathing bag, known as the lung, on the chest, as most military and civilian divers did at the time. Hass also helped pioneer underwater filmography, and made several documentaries, including Under The Red Sea in 1952.
Shortly before filming for Under The Red Sea began in 1949, Hass hired a secretary, Charlotte “Lotte” Baierl, to work with his expedition company. Baierl was already a trained diver, and had hopes of joining the company as more than a secretary. Hass was generally not welcoming of women on expeditions, but when a cameraman left the project, Lotte took over his position and proved a natural behind and in front of the camera. Eventually, she became the expedition’s only woman, a role she continued to fulfill on all Hass’ subsequent expeditions. She also became the world’s first underwater model, and was featured in many of the Hass’ 105 commercial films, the vast majority of which she co-produced. They married in 1950.
Hans and Lotte Hass were distinctive personalities in the scuba world in the years following World War II, when scuba’s popularity was greatly increasing. The couple hosted numerous scuba diving and marine-themed TV shows, including some for the BBC. Lotte, in particular, was popular with the media. She even received acting role offers from Hollywood producers who were looking to cast fearless, attractive blonde in the action capers of the time. She refused, however, dedicating her time instead to scientific work save for a few small TV parts. She was the first diver to film manta rays and whale sharks in the wild.
Lotte Hass more or less retired from the public view in the 1970s, whereas Hans continued his work, focusing increasingly on marine conservation and environmental protection.
Hans Hass died on June 16th, 2013 and Lotte Hass passed away on Jan. 14th, 2015.
