Born: 19 January 1919 (Toulon, France)
Died: 1 December 1990
Biography:
Simone Cousteau (née Melchior; 19 January 1919 – 1 December 1990) was a French explorer and a pioneering figure in the world of underwater exploration. She was the first woman scuba diver and aquanaut, and she played a vital role as the wife and business partner of renowned undersea explorer Jacques-Yves Cousteau. Simone’s contributions to their work were instrumental, despite her absence from the limelight in the Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau series. She acted as a mother, healer, nurse, and psychiatrist to the all-male crew for an incredible span of 40 years, earning her the affectionate nickname La Bergère, the Shepherdess. Simone was not merely a supportive partner, but a driving force behind the success of their endeavors.
Simone Melchior was born on 19 January 1919 in Toulon, France. Her father, Henri Melchior, and both grandfathers, Jules Melchior and Jean Baehme, were admirals in the French Navy. Growing up in a naval family, Simone was exposed to a world of adventure and the sea from an early age. Her mother, Marguerite Melchior, affectionately called Guitte, instilled in her a love for exploration and a deep connection to the ocean.
Simone’s life took an unexpected turn in 1924 when her father, who worked as a director with Air Liquide, moved the family to Kobe, Japan. It was there that Simone learned Japanese at the tender age of five. Her multicultural upbringing would later prove invaluable in her role as an explorer and bridge builder between different cultures.
Simone’s path crossed with that of Jacques-Yves Cousteau at a cocktail party in 1937. At the time, Jacques was a naval officer of 26 years, while Simone was a vibrant and intelligent 17-year-old. Despite the significant age difference, the couple fell in love and were married at Saint-Louis-des-Invalides in Paris on 12 July 1937. After a honeymoon in Switzerland and Italy, the Cousteaus settled in Le Mourillon, a district of Toulon.
The couple’s union was blessed with two sons, Jean-Michel, born on 6 May 1938, and Philippe Pierre, born on 30 December 1940. Both sons came into the world in the warmth and familiarity of the Cousteau family’s kitchen. Simone’s role as a mother was intricately woven into the fabric of their adventurous lifestyle, and she ensured that her sons received an education that balanced academic knowledge with a deep understanding and appreciation of the natural world.
In 1942, Simone’s father played a crucial role in financing and utilizing the manufacturing expertise of Émile Gagnan at Air Liquide to build Jacques Cousteau’s groundbreaking invention – the aqua-lung. Simone’s indirect involvement in this pivotal step in diving history would later be recognized as she joined her husband during the testing of the aqua-lung prototype in the Marne River outside Paris in 1943. This remarkable invention was soon employed for a noble cause – locating and removing enemy mines after World War II.
The Cousteau family’s unwavering commitment to underwater investigation and exploration led to a significant milestone in 1950. On 19 July that year, they acquired the minesweeper Calypso, which became their base of operations. Thomas Loel Guinness provided the necessary support by purchasing the ship and leasing it to Jacques for a mere dollar annually. Simone played an integral role in securing this vessel by selling her family jewels to fuel the Calypso and parting with her cherished fur coat to procure a compass and gyroscope. Her sacrifices demonstrated her unwavering dedication to their mission.
The Calypso embarked on its maiden voyage to the Red Sea in 1952, with Simone as the only woman on board. This voyage marked the beginning of their famed adventures and paved the way for future discoveries that would captivate the world. Simone’s multifaceted skills and tireless dedication were critical to each exploration’s success. She ensured that every expedition achieved its objectives, using her abilities as a problem solver, nurturer, and emotional support for the all-male crew. Simone’s deep empathy and understanding of human nature were instrumental in building strong bonds within the team, elevating their ability to withstand the challenges of life at sea.
In 1963, Simone Melchior-Cousteau made history as the world’s first female aquanaut. As part of the Conshelf II project, she lived in Starfish House, an underwater habitat, for the final four days of the mission. This groundbreaking achievement further solidified her position as a trailblazer and inspiration to women in the field of underwater exploration.
Throughout her life, Simone’s unwavering motivation and inspiration stemmed from her deep love for the sea. Her respect and awe for the ocean’s beauty and the mysteries it held were evident in both her personal and professional life. She dedicated herself to raising awareness about the importance of preserving marine ecosystems, advocating for conservation long before it became a popular cause.
Simone Melchior-Cousteau’s profound impact on society cannot be overstated. As the first woman scuba diver and aquanaut, she shattered gender barriers in a male-dominated field. Simone’s tireless support, ingenuity, and integral role as her husband’s partner not only helped shape their own legacy but also advanced the field of underwater exploration as a whole. Her contributions to women’s history and her lasting influence on generations of adventurers cannot be understated. Simone Melchior-Cousteau will forever be remembered as a pioneering force in the exploration of the watery depths that cover our planet.