Mathew Lawrence

An artificial reef site was established off the coast of Miami Beach, Florida on January 5, 1996 and dedicated to Mathew Lawrence, one of the founders of Aqua Video. Lawrence, well known among video enthusiasts as a pioneer in the development of underwater video housings, died diving the Andrea Doria on July 1, 1992.

A plaque, dedicating the 100-foot former treasure salvage ship to his memory, is attached to the top of the pilot house. Formerly called the Number Seven, the vessel was found shortly after his death in 1992, by Robert Arnove of RJ Diving Ventures, but took over 4 years to acquire, clean and finally sink. A fund-raiser to help pay the $13,000 in costs was held in Mathew's honor and successfully raised over $5,000 towards the final costs.