Odyssey Marine: Firebrand (press release)

Odyssey Marine Exploration Completes Agreements for “Firebrand” Shipwreck Project with Clients of Robert Fraser & Partners LLP

Tampa, FL – May 4, 2010 - Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. (NasdaqCM: OMEX), pioneers in the field of deep-ocean shipwreck exploration and its associated company, OVH, Inc., have executed agreements to provide project research and shipwreck search and survey services for a project code-named "Firebrand" to client companies of Robert Fraser & Partners LLP.

As part of the agreement, Odyssey furnished research related to the "Firebrand" and its sinking and will provide a research vessel, equipment and crew to search a specified area and inspect targets in that area. The contracts provide initial cash payments totaling approximately U.S. $3.2 Million to Odyssey and OVH, Inc. plus additional payments upon the sale of coins or artifacts from the "Firebrand" project. After repayment of salvage costs and fees, Odyssey and OVH, Inc. will receive 75% of net revenue in aggregate until an additional £10.5 Million (approximately U.S. $15.7 Million) has been received and then 50% in aggregate of all further net revenue.

Upon location of the "Firebrand" shipwreck Odyssey will enter into additional agreements for the archaeological excavation of "Firebrand" and for the conservation and documentation of the cargo and artifacts recovered. Odyssey will also have exclusive rights to market the recovered cargo.

Odyssey expects to execute agreements for an additional shipwreck project, "Shantaram" with clients of Robert Fraser & Partners in the coming weeks. Operations for both "Firebrand" and "Shantaram" will be conducted from Odyssey’s ships or a chartered vessel, depending on availability.

"Odyssey’s team, technology and capabilities have lived up to all of our expectations on our operations to date and we look forward to working together on all the additional scheduled deep-ocean projects with them for 2010," said Colin Emson, Chairman of Robert Fraser & Partners. "We are confident in Odyssey’s proven track record and anticipate maintaining a long business relationship with them."

About Robert Fraser & Partners LLP

Robert Fraser & Partners LLP is part of the London-based Robert Fraser Asset Management Group, which has operated since its formation in 1934 in the fields of merchant banking and corporate, marine & property finance and structuring. The group’s core areas of expertise include venture capital, project syndication, corporate finance, mergers and acquisition structure, project development, new venture and global business structuring. Robert Fraser Marine Ltd. is a part of the group which specializes in assembling projects directed at shipwreck exploration and the development of deep ocean resources.

About Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc.

Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. (NasdaqCM: OMEX) is engaged in the exploration of deep-ocean shipwrecks and uses innovative methods and state-of-the-art technology to conduct extensive search and archaeological recovery operations around the world. Odyssey discovered the Civil War era shipwreck of the SS Republic® in 2003 and recovered over 50,000 coins and 14,000 artifacts from the site nearly 1,700 feet deep. In May 2007, Odyssey announced the historic deep-ocean treasure recovery of over 500,000 silver and gold coins, weighing 17 tons, from a Colonial era site code-named "Black Swan." In February 2009, Odyssey announced the discovery of Balchin's HMS Victory. Odyssey also has other shipwreck projects in various stages of development around the world.

Odyssey offers various ways to share in the excitement of deep-ocean exploration by making shipwreck treasures and artifacts available to collectors, the general public and students through its webstore, exhibits, books, television, merchandise, and educational programs.

Odyssey's operations are the subject of a Discovery Channel television series titled "Treasure Quest," produced by JWM Productions. The 12-episode first season aired worldwide in 2009.