Salvage divers work underwater in a turbid darkness. In their cumbersome diving gear, these men have barely enough room to move around, while fighting the cold temperatures and treacherous currents. It is a dirty, unromantic and highly dangerous way of earning a living. Yet, these divers would not have traded their jobs for any other profession. From locating sunken boxcars to repairing concrete foundations for bridges, no task was too risky. Any underwater salvage or repair work became the job of these elite divers. Salvage divers are carpenters, masons, riggers, hydraulic mechanics, ironworkers, welders, pile bucks, and underwater engineers. They must be able to adapt all blueprints, tools and equipment to the harsh realities of the underwater environment.
"A frightening yet fascinating trade, salvage diving stands as the Northwest's most dangerous occupation. Over half of salvage divers perish on treacherous dives in frigid waters. With her compelling and illuminating book, Rebecca Harrison chronicles the adventures of intrepid men and women as they salvage sunken cargo, repair bridges or lay underwater cable. As you read, be prepared for struggling with deadly Devil Fish, retrieving silver booty, and wrestling a sunken locomotive from the turbulent Deschutes. Of course, the big stories are the brave-hearted characters themselves who chose such a dangerous profession. Slender, sixteen-year-old Marie DeRock inherits her father's risky trade because he has no sons. And who would have guessed that adventurous Walt Morey, beloved author of Gentle Ben, dove long before he wrote? Harrison's clear portrayal of many breathtaking dives guarantees that readers will understand the depths of the Northwest's brawny waters." ~Craig Lesley
Craig Lesley is the author of Burning Fence and The Sky Fisherman
To reach Craig Lesley, click here to go to his website.
Book Rebecca Harrison for Personal Appearances |
| ||
The finest historical books personalize the stories with action and feeling from the people in the narratives. My book takes the reader under dangerous waters along with these brazen men who dared the ocean. What do I talk about with my book? My own adventures of finding these men, their families, and the stories they keep locked away in a secret chest of drawers, dusty crates and treasures held close to their hearts. By discussing the dreams of these men with my audience, I open doors of possibilities, ideas and the future goals of my listeners. I share funny and tragic stories not found in my book and I also leave the audience wondering about the strength of any human being against nature.
Photograph taken by Daniel S. Cowan at the Oregon Maritime Center & Museum in Portland, Oregon |
Send email to Rebecca Harrison
Do you want a great Web Host? Check out 1and1.com, they manage this site: