Rick Cochrane and Henry Sadler have been close friends since 2013, brought together by a shared love of the water. Both avid scuba divers, they started out diving Florida’s rivers and coastline in search of fossils. What began as a hobby soon became a passion and an obsession.

Rick Cochrane

Rick is a former United States Marine, and he brings the same determination and focus he carried in service to his time underwater. Diving gave him a new way to challenge himself and explore the unknown, and his steady approach has been central to their many successful expeditions. Rick is also a STEM teacher, bringing his sense of adventure and curiosity into the classroom to inspire the next generation.

Henry Sadler

Henry studied marine biology, which gave him a strong foundation for understanding the science and history behind their finds. His background brings context and meaning to each discovery, connecting the thrill of exploration with a deeper appreciation for the natural world. He is also a science teacher, sharing his passion for discovery with students and encouraging them to see the world through a lens of curiosity.

From Fossils to Agatized Coral

Their dives first centered around fossil hunting, but over time their attention turned toward agatized coral, Florida’s state stone. These rare and beautiful formations captured the same sense of wonder that first drew them to fossils. Today, Rick and Henry continue to explore, collect, and share these unique pieces of Florida’s natural history.