The cause of the accident, which happened during take-off is unknown, but the Australian Transport Safety Bureau has four investigators on site.

Andrew Wight was an Australian underwater explorer and film maker who also worked in scientific research. He was a respected scuba and cave diving instructor, commercial helicopter pilot and farmer. He has led expeditions to dive and explore some of the most remote and bizarre regions of the world. His programs are screened in over 60 countries around the world. He has produced films directed by James Cameron including the 3D IMAX film Ghosts of the Abyss (2003). He was the producer for Expedition: Bismarck (2002) (TV), and another 3D IMAX film about hydrothermal vents called Aliens of the Deep (2005).

Mike DeGruy, was also an underwater cinematographer, curator of the Reel Nature series and the force behind Field Trip to the movies. Mike deGruy filmed in and on the ocean for more than three decades -- becoming almost as famous for his storytelling as for his glorious, intimate visions of the sea and the creatures who live in it. DeGruy also became a go-to host and expedition member on shows like the recent Mysteries of the Shark Coast with Céline Cousteau and Richard Fitzpatrick.

Mr deGruy's website states that, in addition to filmmaking, he had become a speaker and had interviewed James Cameron, Sir David Attenborough and Al Gore on stage.

DeGruy is survived by his wife Mimi, his son Max and his daughter Frances. Wight is survived by his wife Monica and his son Ted.

Late yesterday producer James Cameron (Titanic, Avatar) released a statement expressing his sorrow at the loss of two colleagues and friends.

Cameron said the pair had died "doing exactly what they loved most, heading out to sea on a new and personally challenging expedition, having fun in the way they defined it for themselves, which was hardship and toil to achieve something never done before. Their deaths were ''a tremendous loss for the world of underwater exploration, conservation, and filmmaking".

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