A SHIPWRECK explorer has died on a wreck diving expedition as his pals battled to save him.

Joe Mazraanie, 48, was diving to the The Big Engine Steamer skipwreck off Cape Cod, Massachusetts when he got into trouble.

He was diving with a group from his boat, Tenacious, on 29 July when he reportedly suffered a medical emergency.

Other divers rushed to get him back to the boat and perform first aid on the 48-year-old but were unable to save him.

Police and the US coast guard are carrying out a fully investigation into the cause of his death.

His family released a statement expressing their decision to keep the particulars of his death confidential, while stating there is “no reason” to believe it was due to “diver error or equipment failure”.